Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 2024-25 MVP
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season resides in Oklahoma City.
Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to be officially named the league’s MVP on Wednesday night, according to a report from ESPN.
The announcement is scheduled to air at 6 p.m. CT on TNT, crowning the 25-year-old with the highest individual honor in professional basketball.
Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his dynamic scoring and two-way excellence, edged out fellow finalists Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets—a three-time MVP—and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time MVP.
The victory follows a runner-up finish in last season’s MVP race, which was narrowly won by Jokic.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander elevated his game to historic levels while leading the Thunder to a franchise-best 68 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, making Oklahoma City the second-youngest team in NBA history to claim the conference’s top seed—trailing only last year’s youthful squad.
In 76 games, he led the NBA in scoring with a career-high 32.7 points per game, while shooting an ultra-efficient 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 89.8% from the free-throw line. He also averaged 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, continuing his ascent as one of the league’s most complete and consistent performers.
The Canadian guard dominated nearly every scoring category, leading the NBA in 50-point, 40-point, 30-point, and 20-point games. His four 50-point performances tied Kevin Durant for the second-most in a single season in Thunder franchise history. His total scoring output surpassed that of the league’s next-highest scorer, Anthony Edwards, by 307 points, despite Edwards appearing in three more games.
Beyond offense, Gilgeous-Alexander earned praise for his defensive tenacity, anchoring a Thunder team widely regarded as one of the best defensive units in recent memory. His ability to apply pressure on both ends of the floor, while managing a historic offensive load, separated him from the field. He is also expected to earn his third consecutive All-NBA First Team selection, which would surpass former Thunder MVP Russell Westbrook in that category.
With this honor, Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the third player in Thunder history to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award, joining Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017). It is a crowning achievement in what has already been a breakout season for both Gilgeous-Alexander and a resurgent Oklahoma City franchise poised for a deep playoff run.
DALLAS, TEXAS — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, has died following a tragic incident that began with a police pursuit late Wednesday night, authorities and team officials confirmed.
According to initial reports, the incident unfolded near Dallas North Tollway North and Keller Springs Road when officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Kneeland.
Instead of pulling over, Kneeland reportedly fled, prompting a police chase.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers eventually terminated the pursuit after losing visual contact with the vehicle.
A short time later, officers located Kneeland’s car, which appeared to have crashed.
After searching the surrounding area with additional units, authorities discovered Kneeland deceased from what investigators described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events leading to Kneeland’s death.
The Dallas Cowboys organization released an official statement Thursday morning expressing profound grief over the loss of their player:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team stated. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Kneeland’s death comes midway through his second season in the NFL. He was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University, where he was known for his exceptional athleticism and leadership.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the moments preceding the pursuit. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.