Shai Gilgeous-Alexander filled the stat sheet with yet another efficient performance in the Thunder’s win against the Nuggets. Despite both sides suffering from injuries, OKC was swinging at its best game. Following the recent SGA vs Jokic clash, the MVP race tilts more in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander to repeat as MVP by the end of the season.
OKC’s victory aside, this game showed that SGA was consistent when it mattered most. It also shows just how the Thunder need him very much to win games — as opposed to Nikola Jokic missing time. Nevertheless, SGA’s MVP campaign benefits a lot from this, and that’s because of his elite play.
SGA vs Jokic Showdown Proves Worthy Case for Thunder Star
At this point, it is safe to say that Gilgeous-Alexander is on another level. He’s definitely showing why he’s the deserving MVP heading into the All-Star Break. Now more than ever, it’s a great game—yet a small sample size—that shows SGA’s importance to this Thunder team.
SGA Was Deadly Efficient
As far as elite performances were concerned, SGA was definitely on point with his game against the Nuggets. He posted a majestic 34 points, 13 assists, five rebounds, and three stocks. On top of that, he made 11 of 16 field goals to lead the way for OKC. In a game where first-time All-Star Chet Holmgren struggled (14 points, 3-10 FG, 1-7 3pt), Shai putting up one shot after another and striking the heart of Denver proved very timely.
If you are not impressed, this performance also elevated his scoring average to 32.0 points per game. Another factor to add to the SGA MVP campaign (for the second time around) is his field goal percentage. Since moving to Oklahoma City, he’s only shot below 50% FG twice. In his MVP season, he shot 51.9%. This massive jump shows a lot about what to expect from the Thunder star in the long run.
SGA vs Jokic: By the Assist Numbers
Nikola Jokic wasn’t that bad when you look at the stat sheet. He finished with 16 points on 6-9 shooting, including eight assists and seven rebounds. He did, however, also have six turnovers. Sure, Denver fans would argue that he’s easing back into his game after missing 16 games due to his injury. However, his 31-point outing proved to be a huge return game that set expectations.
Not only that, but OKC had its best defender against Jokic in Alex Caruso out with an injury. This says a lot about the defense that the Nuggets big man had to contend with. But instead of putting up MVP numbers as he did against Los Angeles, he ended up being quite a nuisance on the court. For instance, Peyton Watson was somehow the best performer for Denver in that loss.
SGA, on the other hand, was superb in his passing as he finished with 13 assists. He benefitted from the hot shooting of Cason Wallace. But perhaps the main standout is how he exposed the Denver defense by constantly attacking the rim. He either got and-one calls, easy layups, or a converted kick-out to another Thunder player on the wing.
The SGA Effect
By now, you should have seen how the Thunder offense usually crumbles when SGA sits on the bench. They really struggle to come up with an efficient offense, and they chuck up a lot of threes to begin with. Sure, luck seemed to be on their side as they’ve drilled 18 of 37 attempts, and there’s nothing you can do when Oklahoma City starts making those.
Despite heroics from Wallace and even Aaron Wiggins, it was SGA who stabilized the Thunder when it mattered most. Denver’s league-leading offense was cutting into the OKC lead with the reigning MVP on the bench. In his return, Oklahoma City went on scoring runs and quickly regained control of the game, eventually pushing the lead away for good.
SGA is a remarkable offensive dynamo. Impossible to guard straight up.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) February 2, 2026
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That says a lot about SGA’s importance for the Thunder compared to Jokic for the Nuggets. Remember, the Nuggets are 10-6 without the former MVP this season. That’s still a winning record, and they also boasted the same league-leading offense at the same time. In contrast, the Thunder went 2-0 without Shai so far this season, with one of them being a nail-biter against the Grizzlies.
Is the SGA MVP Campaign More Solidified Than Ever?
Luka Doncic isn’t showing much better growth to make a dent in the MVP race. Giannis Antetokounmpo is having some issues in his games with the Bucks. And now Jokic is clearly not in the superhuman form he began this season with. That being said, SGA has no other clear candidates to contend with if Jokic won’t put up a fight. It also certainly means that he is due for a repeat when it comes to that.
Before you even mention other worthy names, such as Jaylen Brown or even Cade Cunningham, SGA would have finished with the MVP by then. Right now, the latest SGA vs Jokic saga has unfolded, and it showed who’s the best player in the world.
After all, everyone’s better than Shai until it’s time to be better than Shai.
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