Getty

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JANUARY 13: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball in front of Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Paycom Center on January 13, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The MVP race sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama both taking opposing stances on how to sell themselves. Wembanyama recently gave an argument on why he deserves votes for the MVP Award this season. The San Antonio Spurs challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the league helped Wembanyama challenge Gilgeous-Alexander for the top spot.

A media member asked SGA to make his case after the Thunder’s 114-110 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander laughed at giving his version of Wemby’s speech and shared the following insight:

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though. I’m okay. I’ll let my game do the talking.”

Media personnel hoped that Gilgeous-Alexander would counter Wembanyama by giving his own argument to sell himself. Shai showed no desire to do what Wembanyama did and claimed that his game is already making his MVP case.

 

Wembanyama enjoyed listing things, like his team’s winning record against the Thunder and his defensive impact, when selling his MVP candidacy. Gilgeous-Alexander felt he was above this and laughed at the notion of the players wanting to talk themselves into MVP cases over fully letting their work do the talking.

Why Shai & Wemby Have Polar Opposite Views

The main reason for Wembanyama talking about the MVP more than Gilgeous-Alexander is likely the difference between their places in the NBA. Wembanyama is having his first season on a playoff team and leading his roster to contention for the most important games of the year. Gilgeous-Alexander is in his fourth consecutive season as an MVP candidate.

Wemby said the following about why he deserves the MVP:

“My first (argument) would be that defense is 50% of the game and that it is undervalued so far in the MVP race. I believe I’m the most impactful player defensively in the league. Second argument would be that we almost swept OKC in the season, and we dominated them three times with their real team.”

Strong words from Wembanyama certainly put more pressure on voters to look at his overall season before voting for the best player on the best team. Gilgeous-Alexander has finished in the top two on two consecutive occasions already and is not treating this season any differently.

Memorable Media Quotes Shouldn’t Impact MVP Case

There has been more talk about Wembanyama after his comments about believing he deserves the MVP Award. It reveals a flaw in the voting system that narratives and talking points will sway voters as much as things on the court.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the strong favorite due to his incredible team success as the likely wire to wire one seed. Wembanyama’s quote and Luka Doncic’s recent hot streak have complicated the race, as Nikola Jokic falls back due to inconsistent team results.

NBA fans are enthralled by this season’s MVP race presenting more viable options. Gilgeous-Alexander will have his toughest path yet, but it remains his award to lose until someone else definitively passes him. Wembanyama and Doncic are playing harder than ever to make up the gap.

Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford

More Heavy on Thunder

Loading more stories