At their next family get-together, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker might have a couple of more trophies to show off to the rest of their loved ones. In opposite conferences, the NBA cousins have enjoyed some of their best individual ball.<\/p>\n
After a little drama, Gilgeous-Alexander looks like he’s going to run away with the MVP award in back-to-back seasons. The 30-point scoring machine once again headlines the NBA’s best team. The Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> clinched the first seed with a 128-110 win<\/a> over the LA Clippers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n In the first season of his four-year, $62 million deal, Alexander-Walker has already outplayed his pedestrian salary. In a tumultuous season that saw the Atlanta Hawks depart from Trae Young, the 27-year-old has been a constant. He’s graduated from nice role player to one of their best players.<\/p>\n Alexander-Walker has averaged 20.9 points on 45.8% shooting, 3.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Easy to say those are all career best marks. Before this season, he averaged 8.6 points in six seasons spread across four teams.<\/p>\n At one point, it felt like Alexander-Walker was on his way out of the NBA. Contributing to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Western Conference Finals playoff run last year helped him parlay that success into a huge payday. Now, he’s one of the faces of Atlanta’s red-hot last month. It’s gone 15-4 since Mar. 1, and squarely in the playoff race.<\/p>\n Typing out his resume like that, it sounds like your textbook Most Improved Player of the Year winner. Alexander-Walker is the overwhelming favorite to win that trophy. Deservingly so, too. Gilgeous-Alexander endorsed him for it after he collected another win over his old squad.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n “I think what’s most impressive about it is how he’s stuck with it. Us obviously going through so many experiences of life together. Being the same age and both making it to the NBA. Our paths were so connected until a certain point and then went left and right,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We’ve talked so many times, countless times, about being ready when the moment comes. I’m just proud of how much he’s stuck with it and is taking advantage of this moment.”<\/p>\n Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker might be related, but their basketball games are opposite. The latter is more dependent on his outside jumper. He’s had a career year of 39.9% from 3 on 8.1 attempts. Yep, that’ll do it in terms of doubling your scoring average from any other season.<\/p>\n Even with a completely different roster, the Hawks have played like a team that’ll be a headache to knock out if you’re one of the East’s top-four seeds. The offense has clicked together. With Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson at the top of the pyramid.<\/p>\n “My path has almost been easier. I got traded. I was able to play freely and handed the keys right away. I was able to mold my game and play through mistakes,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He hasn’t had that opportunity. He’s getting it and is ready for it. I’m nothing but proud for him. He better win MIP.”<\/p>\n