Charles Barkley Backs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP as OKC Thunder Dominates Denver Nuggets
In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) left the Denver Nuggets in the dust, securing a 149-106 win in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup. This impressive victory was largely due to the outstanding performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), who dropped 34 points and eight assists, earning him a historic plus-51 rating – the highest ever in a playoff game. The Thunder’s success has caught the attention of NBA legend Charles Barkley, who boldly declared SGA as his choice for MVP during the "Inside the NBA" halftime show.
"This guy right here is the MVP," Barkley said, emphasizing his confidence in SGA’s abilities. "We can already send it to him. We’re gonna see him in the WCF when he gets his MVP trophy. I think that team gonna win the championship." Barkley’s endorsement is significant, especially considering SGA’s impressive stats and the Thunder’s overall performance this season.
SGA’s nomination for MVP is also supported by ESPN’s MVP straw poll, where he emerged as the top choice, earning 77 first-place votes and 23 second-place votes for a total of 931 points. Nikola Jokic, a strong contender for the award, collected all the remaining top and second-place nods, coming in second with 769 points. The two players are now facing off in the playoff series, with Jokic having previously led the Nuggets to a 121-119 win in Game 1, courtesy of his 42 points and 22 rebounds.
The NBA community is also rallying behind SGA, with James Harden revealing that players recognize Jokic as the best player but are rooting for SGA to win MVP due to his remarkable season and the Thunder’s winning streak. As NBA insider Rachel Nichols noted, "All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning." This sentiment highlights the respect and admiration SGA has earned from his peers.
As the playoff series continues, the anticipation builds for the MVP announcement, which may coincide with the outcome of this high-stakes showdown between the Nuggets and the Thunder. One thing is certain – SGA has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. With his exceptional skills and the Thunder’s formidable teamwork, SGA is undoubtedly a strong contender for the MVP award, and his success will be eagerly anticipated by basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
