Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins the ESPYS Best Male Athlete and NBA Player of the Year awards 🏆

In what has been an unforgettable year for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), the Oklahoma City Thunder star has added two major accolades to his already impressive list of accomplishments. The 2025 ESPYS, which celebrate the best in sports across various categories, saw SGA take home two of the most coveted honors: Best Male Athlete and NBA Player of the Year. The back-to-back wins not only capped off an exceptional season for the 25-year-old but also marked a moment in time that solidified his place among basketball’s elite.

When the ESPYS awarded SGA both honors, it was a recognition of his meteoric rise, impressive consistency, and leadership in guiding the Thunder to new heights. For someone who was already known for his poise on the court and his ability to deliver in clutch moments, these awards are a testament to his hard work, determination, and an undeniable talent that is shaping the future of the NBA.

The 2025 Season: A Career Year for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It’s easy to forget that not long ago, Gilgeous-Alexander was just another promising young player with potential. In fact, his career began as a highly regarded prospect coming out of the University of Kentucky. With his unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ, he was always destined for greatness. But few could have predicted just how quickly he would establish himself as one of the NBA’s premier players.

The 2025 season, however, elevated his career to new heights. Gilgeous-Alexander, often simply referred to as “SGA,” became the focal point of the Thunder’s resurgence and the catalyst for their success. With a combination of explosive scoring, crafty playmaking, and elite defense, SGA led the Thunder to one of the best records in the Western Conference, making Oklahoma City one of the most formidable teams in the NBA.

During the 2025 season, Gilgeous-Alexander posted career-high numbers across the board, averaging 29.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His scoring average was among the league leaders, and he proved time and again that he could dominate in all areas of the game. Whether it was driving to the basket, pulling up from mid-range, or knocking down clutch three-pointers, SGA showed that he could do it all.

His ability to score efficiently was one of the key reasons for his success. Gilgeous-Alexander’s 56% field goal percentage and 90% free throw percentage were both near career bests and ranked among the top for his position. His mix of size (6-foot-6) and skills, including elite footwork and an array of crafty moves, allowed him to excel against even the toughest defenders in the league. But it wasn’t just his scoring that stood out—SGA became a more complete player in every sense of the word.

SGA’s ability to carry the Thunder to success wasn’t just about his individual statistics—it was also about his leadership. While the Thunder were still considered an up-and-coming team, with a young core surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander, his maturity and presence on the court allowed the team to achieve great things.

SGA was instrumental in helping players like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren develop into more well-rounded contributors. He often took the responsibility of mentoring the younger players, showing them the ropes of what it took to succeed in the NBA. His calm demeanor and ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments were contagious, making him the natural leader of the team.

The Thunder finished the regular season with an impressive 49-33 record, securing a top-four seed in the Western Conference. They made a deep playoff run, ultimately falling just short of a conference finals appearance but showing the world that they were a legitimate title contender for years to come.

SGA’s leadership, both on and off the court, played a massive role in elevating the team’s performance. His selflessness and commitment to team-first basketball helped cement his status as not only one of the best players in the league but also one of the most respected leaders in the NBA. In many ways, his journey mirrors the trajectory of the Thunder organization itself: still young, still developing, but on the cusp of greatness.

The ESPYS have long been known as one of the most prestigious nights in sports, where athletes from various disciplines gather to honor excellence in the sporting world. The Best Male Athlete and NBA Player of the Year categories are particularly coveted, as they represent the pinnacle of individual achievement in the world of sports. For SGA to win both in the same year is a rare accomplishment and one that speaks volumes about his overall excellence.

At the 2025 ESPYS, SGA was up against some stiff competition. He was nominated alongside other elite athletes like Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and LeBron James, whose legacy in the NBA continues to be cemented as one of the greatest ever. The fact that SGA emerged victorious in such a competitive field is a testament to the significant strides he has made as both a player and a leader in the league.

When accepting the Best Male Athlete award, SGA was humble in his speech, thanking his teammates, coaches, and the Thunder organization for the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. But it was his acknowledgment of the larger community—the fans of Oklahoma City—who have supported him throughout his journey, that made his acceptance speech even more heartfelt.

SGA’s Impact Beyond the Court

While SGA’s on-court accomplishments are certainly worthy of praise, his impact extends far beyond basketball. He has become an ambassador for his community in Oklahoma City and a role model for young fans around the world. Known for his philanthropy and his charitable endeavors, SGA has consistently used his platform to give back to causes that matter to him.

Whether it’s supporting education initiatives, working with local youth programs, or using his status to raise awareness for various charitable organizations, SGA has always placed a strong emphasis on making a positive impact off the court. His quiet yet significant influence in the community is just another reason why he is beloved by fans.

As the 2025 season continues to unfold, the future looks exceedingly bright for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. At just 25 years old, he is still in the prime of his career, and many believe that his best basketball is yet to come. With a supporting cast of young, talented players and a coaching staff that is committed to player development, the Thunder are positioned for sustained success in the years to come.

While his individual accolades continue to accumulate, SGA remains focused on team success. For him, the ultimate goal is to win an NBA championship and bring Oklahoma City its second title in franchise history. With his skill set and leadership, it’s not difficult to envision a future where he is leading the Thunder to the NBA Finals and beyond.

As his game evolves, one area of particular growth is SGA’s ability to take over in clutch moments. In the 2025 season, he proved time and again that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most. His poise under pressure, his ability to knock down big shots in crunch time, and his steady hand in tight playoff games make him a bona fide superstar—one who is capable of carrying a team on his back when needed.

Winning the Best Male Athlete and NBA Player of the Year awards at the 2025 ESPYS was a defining moment for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It solidified his status as one of the league’s brightest stars and offered a glimpse into the future of the NBA. In an era full of young, talented players, SGA has distinguished himself not only for his individual brilliance but also for his ability to elevate those around him. As the Thunder continue to build around him, the sky’s the limit for this emerging superstar.

It’s not just his talent that makes SGA special—it’s his approach to the game, his leadership qualities, and his unshakable desire to be great. With the 2025 season serving as a launching pad, SGA is positioned to be one of the most dominant forces in the NBA for years to come. His ESPYS wins were just the beginning of a journey that promises even more accolades and, most importantly, a chance to bring championship glory to Oklahoma City.

For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2025 ESPYS will be remembered as a key moment in a rising star’s career, but for fans, it’s just the start of what could be an unforgettable ride. With his skill set, mindset, and leadership, the future is undeniably bright for SGA—and the entire Thunder organization.