OKC Thunder Flex to National TV Could Swing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Case

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been flexed to National Television against the Boston Celtics in a game that will swing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case.

Mar 8, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder (49-21) have proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference. The Thunder have far exceeded the expectations most set out for them to start the season, in large part due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leap.

A year ago, Gilgeous-Alexander earned his first All-Star Nod and finished fifth in the Most Valuable Players race. Few thought he had another step to take, yet this season, the max contract guard has gotten even better.

Gilgeous-Alexander is sitting at 30.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 3.0 stocks per game while shooting 54 percent from the floor, 36 percent from beyond the arc and 87 percent at the free throw line.

With the Thunder battling for the top seed in the Western Conference Gilgeous-Alexander has a shot at the Most Valuable Player Award despite how great Jokic has been. Though, an announcement by the NBA on Monday could swing the race.

The Thunder's game against the Boston Celtics next week will now be shown on National Television. As Oklahoma City heads to Boston in search of a two-game season-series sweep, this game in front of a National Audience could be the "MVP Moment" the Thunder star is searching for.

For Oklahoma City to secure the top seed in the Western Conference, they would need to navigate a tough schedule down the stretch. One that includes New Orleans, a red-hot Houston team, Phoenix, New York, Indiana, Sacramento, Milwaukee and Dallas.

If Gilgeous-Alexander can put up monster performances in those games, including on National Television, helping the Thunder shock the NBA world as the top seed in the West, he will have a great case for the MVP Award.

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