The thrilling 2024-25 NBA regular season is nearing its climax, showcasing a series of fierce matchups among the competing teams. Meanwhile, anticipation mounts surrounding the coveted KIA NBA MVP award. The leading candidates for this prestigious title are the Denver Nuggets’ outstanding Nikola Jokic and the dynamic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the latest KIA NBA MVP Ladder, Jokic has again taken the lead, while Gilgeous-Alexander has ascended to second place. As fans anticipate the coveted MVP title, ClutchPoints delves into the potential impact of free throws as a critical factor in the tight race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the most points in the league right now – by a pretty sizable margin. A big part of that is how often SGA gets to the foul line. Take a look (via NBA Stats): 572 FTA (most in NBA), 515 FTM (most in NBA), 90% FT (2nd in NBA, min. 300 FTA).” Via ClutchPoints.
“Now take a look at Jokic’s numbers: 359 FTA (10th in NBA), 290 FTM (10th in NBA), 80.8% FT (13th in NBA, min. 300 FTA). 16.7% of Jokic’s total points have come from free throws. 24.5% of SGA’s total points have come from free throws.” Via ClutchPoints.
Could the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Nikola Jokic MVP race come down to free throws? 🤔
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 16, 2025
It seems inevitable that the battle between Shai and Nikola is gonna come down to the wire.
So it's time to start splitting hairs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the most points in the league… pic.twitter.com/5rlZ7iG3AU
While some Nuggets supporters may argue that Gilgeous-Alexander is merely benefiting from increased foul calls, Thunder fans would assert that he is making significant individual contributions to his team’s success. It may seem trivial, yet considering that the MVP award is fundamentally an individual accolade, it could hinge on subtle distinctions like these that ultimately decide the worthy recipient.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stellar Game Vs. Detroit Pistons
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been consistently showcasing strong performances for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season. In their recent game against the Detroit Pistons, SGA stole the spotlight with an impressive performance.
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Gilgeous-Alexander played for 38 minutes, scoring 48 points, along with 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein also had a significant impact on the game, recording a double-double. He played for 31 minutes, contributing 12 points, 5 assists, and 10 rebounds.
These efforts helped the Thunder clinch a 113-107 victory over the Pistons. With a record of 55-12, the Thunder remains at the top of the Western Conference standings. Their next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
