#shai-gilgeous-alexander

#shai-gilgeous-alexander

Nearly two months into the NBA season, surprise playoff contenders have emerged, shocking franchise drama has unfolded and a new class of rookies has already made an impact. The top of the 2025-26 Most Valuable Player race, however, should look quite familiar. For the sixth consecutive edition of ESPN's NBA MVP straw poll -- a poll of 100 media members that mimics the league's postseason award balloting -- voting has resulted in Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic

"The goal for tonight was to get in a rhythm, but it's an adjustment," Williams said. "Game 7 was, what, five months ago? Almost six. Trying to adjust to the physicality now was a little different. A lot of it was just rhythm -- trying not to do too much, just finding the spots where I was comfortable five months ago."

Unlike the blowout loss in Atlanta last Saturday, it appeared the Lakers were at least mentally prepared to compete against the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. The problem in the 121-92 loss was that they simply could not keep up. Reigning most valuable player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points on 10 for 18 shooting with nine assists. The Lakers' own MVP hopeful Luka Doncic had 19 points, making just seven of 20 shots with seven assists and four turnovers.

We haven't played well since the second week of the season, Kerr said. I've got to do a better job, and find the keys that can get us some confidence back. The Warriors started quickly thanks to seven early points from Curry, who was returning from an illness after missing the past three games. But they trailed 34-25 after one quarter, and 63-44 at halftime.

Just trying to get to a shot I'm comfortable shooting in those moments. My brain is so in the moment that all those things I don't even realize.

The 'Masi Blue' colorway of the SHAI 001 sneaker line pays tribute to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's brother and reflects his calm demeanor through design.

This is the first Finals since the introduction of the luxury tax in which neither team is a tax-payer.

Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver's Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo were the only players to appear on every MVP ballot this season.