Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder past Nuggets, fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic with 40-point game

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 40-Point Game Leads Thunder Over Nuggets, Outshining MVP Candidate Nikola Jokic

In a thrilling matchup that had the basketball world buzzing, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a spectacular 40-point performance to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 115-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This game was not only important for the Thunder as they continue their pursuit of playoff positioning, but it also added another layer of excitement to the MVP race, as Gilgeous-Alexander faced off against one of the league’s most dominant players, Nikola Jokic.

The game, which took place on March 9, 2025, in Denver, saw Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show that left fans and analysts alike in awe. His performance was a mix of scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive tenacity, all while carrying the Thunder to an impressive win over a Nuggets team that has been led by the reigning two-time MVP, Nikola Jokić. Jokic, who has been a frontrunner for this year’s MVP award, posted a solid 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop Gilgeous-Alexander, who was simply in a league of his own during this game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominant Performance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point outburst was a masterclass in offensive basketball. The 6’6” guard showed his versatility by scoring in nearly every way possible—whether it was slicing through the defense for acrobatic layups, hitting contested mid-range jumpers, or knocking down long-range three-pointers. What stood out most was his ability to take over the game when the Thunder needed him most.

Throughout the game, Gilgeous-Alexander exhibited excellent court vision, tallying 7 assists, and demonstrated his ability to make his teammates better. Whether orchestrating the offense or creating plays out of pick-and-roll situations, he was in complete control. But it was his scoring that stole the show.

With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander made several clutch plays that sealed the Thunder’s victory. He hit back-to-back three-pointers with just under three minutes remaining to give the Thunder a commanding lead, and then followed it up with a series of tough jumpers and free throws to finish the Nuggets off. His 40 points were the most scored by any player in the game, and he added 6 rebounds and 2 steals to his stat line, providing a complete and dominating performance.

A Step Toward MVP Consideration

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance in this game served as another statement in his MVP campaign. With the NBA MVP race heating up as the season progresses, Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly planted himself in the conversation for the prestigious award. His 40-point showing against the Nuggets was not only a massive individual accomplishment but also showcased his ability to lead his team to victory against an MVP-caliber player like Nikola Jokic.

Many basketball pundits have argued that Gilgeous-Alexander is a dark horse candidate for MVP this season, and performances like this one only bolster those claims. The Thunder have significantly improved this season, and Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force behind their success. As of now, he is averaging over 30 points per game, along with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game—numbers that rival any MVP contender in the league.

While players like Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic continue to dominate the MVP race, Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency and ability to elevate his play in crucial moments could give him an edge in the eyes of voters. His all-around game, combined with the Thunder’s success, makes him a serious candidate to win his first MVP award at the end of the season.

Nikola Jokic’s Solid but Unsuccessful Effort

On the other side of the court, Nikola Jokic put up his usual impressive numbers but was ultimately outshone by Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance. The Nuggets’ star center finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, but his efforts were not enough to lift the Nuggets over the Thunder.

Jokić, who has been in the MVP conversation for the past few years, continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the most unique and dominant players in the NBA. His ability to control the pace of the game as a center, make incredible passes, and score efficiently from all areas of the floor make him an exceptional player. However, despite his stellar performance, he did not have the support he needed from his teammates to pull out the win. The Nuggets’ bench struggled, and key players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were unable to step up in the clutch moments.

While Jokic is still one of the top contenders for the MVP this season, the fact that he was outplayed by Gilgeous-Alexander in this high-profile matchup may hurt his case. Jokić has been leading the Nuggets to another strong season, but in this game, it was clear that the Thunder’s dynamic guard was the more dominant player.

The Thunder’s Playoff Push

Beyond the MVP race, the win over the Nuggets was significant for the Thunder’s playoff positioning. With the Western Conference being as competitive as ever, every game is crucial for teams like Oklahoma City, who are looking to solidify their place in the postseason. The Thunder are in a battle for playoff seeding, and victories like this one against one of the league’s elite teams will be key in their quest for a higher seed.

The Thunder have exceeded expectations this season, and much of that success can be attributed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership. While Oklahoma City is still developing as a team, they have shown they can compete with the best in the NBA when their star player is firing on all cylinders. With players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren continuing to develop, the future is bright for the Thunder, and performances like the one on March 9th only fuel excitement for what lies ahead.

The MVP Race: Who Will Take the Crown?

With the season winding down, the MVP race has become increasingly intriguing. While Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to put up incredible numbers and lead their respective teams, Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to prominence has added a new dimension to the conversation. The Thunder’s success, combined with his scoring and playmaking ability, has made him a legitimate contender.

Other MVP candidates, including Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid, continue to put up impressive stats as well, making this year’s race one of the closest in recent memory. However, it is Gilgeous-Alexander’s combination of individual brilliance and team success that could ultimately tip the scales in his favor as the season progresses.

As the Thunder continue their push for the playoffs, all eyes will be on Gilgeous-Alexander to see if he can maintain his high level of play and lead his team to a deep playoff run. Whether or not he secures the MVP trophy, his rise to stardom has already solidified him as one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the NBA today.

Conclusion

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point performance against the Denver Nuggets on March 9, 2025, was a game to remember. Not only did it secure a crucial victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it also cemented his place among the top MVP contenders. By outplaying Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his ability to lead and deliver in big moments, further elevating his status as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on the MVP race, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s name will undoubtedly be in the conversation. Whether or not he claims the MVP award, his future in the league is bright, and the Thunder’s playoff aspirations are stronger than ever. This game was a defining moment for both Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it’s clear that this young team has a star to build around for years to come.