Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Hyped as NBA MVP by Fans in Thunder’s Win vs. Mitchell, Cavs

Zach BacharContributor IJanuary 17, 2025

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable on Thursday night.

Gilgeous-Alexander helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a lopsided 134-114 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

OKC THUNDER @okcthunderWhat a game 😄 pic.twitter.com/LLyVU7thU5

He finished with a game-high 40 points in just 29 minutes on the floor, shooting 17-26 from the field and connecting on all five of his free-throw attempts. Gilgeous-Alexander also racked up eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportSGA is COOKING the Cavs 😤👀

Had 26 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL in the 1H pic.twitter.com/8xC7weVeik

Oklahoma City took an early 10-point lead in the first quarter and didn’t look back, holding a 75-49 advantage at halftime.

Jalen Williams also wrapped up an efficient performance, scoring 19 points while shooting 57.1 percent from the field. He pulled down six rebounds and dished out five assists of his own.

NBA @NBA75 PTS IN THE FIRST HALF!!

Jalen Williams sends OKC to the break with their 11th 3PM in the first 24 minutes 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5ZFXlxFBxb

Thursday’s result was a statement victory for the Thunder, as they previously suffered a narrow 129-122 loss to the Cavaliers on Jan. 8.

Fans were amazed by Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroics, calling for him to earn even more MVP consideration.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportSGA COOKED the Cavs and it only took 3 quarters 😳

40 PTS
8 AST
2 STL
Thunder win 134-114

MVP? 🏆👀 pic.twitter.com/rIUuraMJ1X

Skip Bayless @RealSkipBaylessThe Thunder don’t have either big – Chet or Hartenstein – yet against the Mobley-Allen Cavs THEY’RE UP 75-49 AT HALF! OKC IS GOING TO WIN THE WEST. SGA MVP.

Real Sports @realapp_SGA just outscored the Cavs in the first quarter pic.twitter.com/TXwbHPpLme

𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙖 @arkaavsLook man, Jokic is incredible but this year’s MVP is pretty easily SGA.

Carson Breber @CarsobiShai is the MVP right now and it’s not very close.

He is on pace to play every game for a 70-win team without their second-best player, while he averages 31.5/5.5/6 on 64% TS with 3.1 stocks and they’re 15.5 pts per 100 better with him.

One of the best guard seasons ever.

Thunder Film Room @ThunderFilmRoomShai could’ve had 50 twice in the past week had he not sat out the whole 4th quarter in both games.

PeeWeeDaPlug @PeeWeeDaPlugShai is one of a kind man. I get Mamba flashbacks I can’t lie. Middy game nasty.

Royce Young @royceyoungI mean…

SGA.

For the Cavaliers, Darius Garland led the way with 20 points and nine assists.

Donovan Mitchell struggled offensively, hitting just three of his 15 field-goal attempts and scoring eight points.

Cleveland dealt with ball security issues against the NBA’s top-rated defense, committing 21 turnovers despite racking up 32 assists.

Following Thursday’s clash, the Thunder and Cavaliers now own identical 34-6 records.