Chet Holmgren endorses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as MVP because “he’s too humble to say it”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite of many when it comes to this season’s Most Valuable Player title. With his outstanding performance in the regular campaign, the OKC guard helped secure his team’s top seed for the playoff tournaments, where he continues to show his magic. Impressed by his performances, teammate Chet Holmgren endorsed him as the MVP.

Following their Game 2 124-92 win against the Pelicans on Wednesday night, the OKC rookie grabbed the microphone in a post-game interview to state, “he’s too humble to say it, but this is the MVP right here. MVP of the league.” Holmgren spoke about Shai, who had absolute dominance in the game.

SGA and Mavericks’ Luka Doncic are fighting for the top spot in the MVP title, while Denver’s Nikola Jokic has been sitting comfortably at the top of NBA.com’s list ever since Joel Embiid’s exit. Both Holmgren and their OKC head coach Mark Daigneault have rooted for Shai in the past as well.

Playing for 35 minutes at the Paycom Center, SGA scored a game-high 33 points, while grabbing 3 rebounds on the way, providing 5 assists and 2 steals. The 25-year-old kept 13 of his 19 shots on target from the field and hit 3 threes while missing two of them from the deep. His scoring efficiency crushed the Pelicans’ defense and the OKC finished the night with a 2-0 lead.

Although SGA is an integral part of the Oklahoma franchise this season, Holmgren does not fall behind with his huge contribution and that has been acknowledged by SGA as well.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks about the fire in Chet Holmgren

During a press conference after Game 2, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked by a reporter when he knew about Chet Holmgren’s toughness. Shai said, “The year he got drafted,” then he brought up an incident when Chet went to Toronto, “we played some pick up… and he [Chet Holmgren] was battling physically… I knew Chet had that fire in him.”

The OKC center had a remarkable season as well and if Victory Wembanayama hadn’t performed as brilliantly as he did, then Holmgren would have easily bagged the Rookie Of The Year award. The budding star Chet looked fierce with his 26 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday.

The OKC Thunder look like a real contender for the championship this season, and it is up to Shai, Chet and Co. to reach the final so that SGA gets a chance to earn the NBA Finals MVP award.