NBA Playoffs Heat Up: Charles Barkley Tips Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP
In a stunning turn of events, basketball legend Charles Barkley has thrown his weight behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as his pick for NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP). This endorsement came as the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) dominated the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. The Thunder’s impressive 87-56 halftime lead, the highest points scored in a half in NBA playoff history, was largely due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance, including 18 points and seven assists in the first 24 minutes.
During the "Inside the NBA" halftime show, Barkley boldly declared, "This guy right here is the MVP. 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 is gonna win the championship." This prediction is significant, especially considering the current playoff series between the Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, and the Thunder, with Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance in Game 2, where he scored 34 points and had eight assists, earning a historic plus-51 rating in just three quarters, further solidifies his candidacy for MVP. This follows Jokic’s impressive Game 1, where he scored 42 points and 22 rebounds, securing a win for the Nuggets with a last-minute triple by Aaron Gordon.
The race for MVP is tightly contested, with both players showing extraordinary skill and dedication. ESPN’s MVP straw poll reflects this, with Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as the top choice, earning 77 first-place votes and 23 second-place votes for a total of 931 points, while Jokic comes in second with 769 points.
Interestingly, players around the league seem to be rallying behind Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP, according to NBA insider Rachel Nichols, who quoted James Harden as saying, "All the players, we want to see Shai win MVP because of the season he had and the winning." This sentiment suggests that while Jokic is recognized as one of the best players, the league’s players are leaning towards Gilgeous-Alexander due to his outstanding season and the success of his team.
As the playoff series between the Nuggets and the Thunder continues, all eyes will be on both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander, not just for their performance on the court but also in anticipation of the MVP announcement. The question remains whether Gilgeous-Alexander can maintain his current form and lead his team to victory, potentially claiming the MVP title in the process. One thing is certain, though – this rivalry is heating up, and basketball fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
