Spanish
Santo Domingo.— Oklahoma City Thunder star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2024-2025 NBA season, and decided to share the recognition with those —according to him— who made this achievement possible: his teammates. How? By gifting each one a Rolex watch.
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In a touching gesture of gratitude, the 26-year-old Canadian surprised the Thunder team with luxury watches, thus fulfilling a promise that arose between jokes and camaraderie during the season.
"They asked me: 'What are you going to give us if you win the MVP?'. I don't know what caused it, but watches were part of those conversations. Many people like watches. And who doesn't?", Gilgeous-Alexander commented with a laugh.
Más allá del lujo, el gesto refleja su espíritu de equipo.
"I'd rather have the MVP than a Rolex any day of the week. But without them, I wouldn't have achieved it. This is the least they deserve," said the shooting guard, who led the league with 32.7 points per game and was key to his team's success in the Western Conference.
A Constant Ascent to Stardom
This MVP is the result of a sustained rise of Gilgeous-Alexander in the basketball elite. Last season he had already been runner-up in the voting, only surpassed by Nikola Jokić, and in 2022-23 he had finished in fifth place, in a year in which the award went to Joel Embiid.
This year, his offensive dominance, on-court leadership, and consistency ultimately convinced voters and fans. In addition, he was a central figure in the exciting Western Conference semifinals series, where Oklahoma City eliminated the Denver Nuggets in seven games.
Celebration with family and team
The MVP delivery was an intimate and powerful moment. Shai was surrounded by his wife, his son, family members, and the entire Thunder team. The locker room celebrated with smiles, hugs… and watches.
This MVP marks a turning point in the young Canadian's career, and also consolidates the Thunder as one of the most promising franchises in the immediate future in the NBA.
