Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took the high road when discussing the MVP award for this season after Monday’s game featuring the OKC Thunder and the Detroit Pistons. The reigning MVP finished with 47 points, five rebounds and three assists, leading his team to a 114-110 win.
After the game, a reporter asked Gilgeous-Alexander if he wished to make an MVP case for himself ahead of the end of the season. The guard gave a candid response.
“No, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though,” he said. “Yeah, I’m good. I let my game do the talking.”
“I think it’s good for the league. I think it’s good chatter,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “It gives people something to talk about. There’s a lot of good players in this league and a lot of guys in the conversation because of that.”
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, shooting 55.1%. Led by him, the OKC Thunder sit atop the Western Conference, boasting the best record in the league, 60-16.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s words come days after the San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama publicly made his case for the MVP award. Lakers coach JJ Redick has also been vocal on the matter, advocating for Luka Doncic to win.
Pistons coach praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after he outshot Detroit from the free-throw line
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went 21-for-25 from the free-throw line during Monday’s game. The Pistons, meanwhile, shot 23 free throws as a team. Speaking after the game, J.B. Bickerstaff complimented Gilgeous-Alexander for his foul-drawing ability.
“He’s elite at what he does,” Bickerstaff said. “You’ve got to give him a ton of credit for his skill set and his ability to create those contacts and create those whistles. There’s rules for a reason, and he’s mastered to manipulate them.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s numbers from the foul line have led to significant criticism on social media. While some fans argue that it displays his understanding of the rules, others use it to discredit his production.
The Thunder will return to the court on Thursday to face the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be their third meeting of the season. Oklahoma leads the regular-season series 2-0.
Read More: NBA Fans in Utter Disbelief at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Earning FTs After Pushing Off Derrick White
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