Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unanimously chosen as the Western Conference Finals Most Valuable Player after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with all nine media panel members casting their votes in his favor. Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performance across the five-game series helped the Thunder reach their first NBA Finals since 2012, highlighting his critical role in the team’s playoff success.

Consistent Production Despite Shooting Challenges

Throughout the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals while playing 36.4 minutes per game. Although his shooting percentages dipped—hitting 45.7% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range—he was the driving force behind Oklahoma City’s offense and maintained a team plus-minus of +43 over 182 minutes.

Supporting Stars Boost Thunder’s Dominance

Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, teammates Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren also delivered impressive performances. Williams posted averages of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.0 steals with striking shooting splits, while Holmgren contributed 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, helping fortify the team’s all-around effort in the series.

Context and History of the Western Conference Finals MVP Award

The Western Conference Finals MVP trophy, named after Magic Johnson, was introduced by the NBA in 2022. Previous recipients include Stephen Curry (2022), Nikola Jokic (2023), and Luka Doncic (2024). Gilgeous-Alexander adds his name to this short list, cementing his place among the league’s premier postseason performers as the Thunder prepare for the NBA Finals.