Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Meteoric Rise: MVP Contender Outshines Tatum as Thunder Storm into NBA Spotlight

Steering the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive 23-10 record and clinching the second seed in the star-studded Western Conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has garnered widespread acclaim, firmly establishing himself as a frontrunner for the 2024 MVP honor. The latest addition to the chorus of praise is Bill Simmons, who recently lauded the 6'6" guard's performance, claiming that it currently outshines that of Boston Celtics' star Jayson Tatum.

Simmons confidently asserted, "SGA is undeniably a top-five player in the league. I was surprised by the decision, but I put him ahead of Tatum. Throughout the season, I've closely observed him. In crucial moments, he either matches or outplays the opposing team's best player. This has become a consistent pattern. He's truly unstoppable, and we can't downplay it just because he plays for a small-market team."

In a direct statistical comparison, both stars have participated in 31 games during the ongoing 2023-24 season. Tatum maintains an average of 27.0 points on 47.4% shooting, contributing 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, placing him 10th in points per game this season. Conversely, Shai has been nothing short of exceptional, boasting averages of 31.4 points on 54.9% shooting, along with 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game.

The Canadian star has not only showcased superior offensive prowess but has also displayed a formidable two-way impact, currently ranking as the third-highest scorer in the league.

Regarding team leadership, Tatum benefits from guiding an experienced and star-studded roster, featuring Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics flaunt the second-highest offensive rating (121.9) and the fifth-best defensive rating (111.8), securing an impressive league-best record of 26-7.

On the flip side, the Shai-led Thunder, despite having the second-youngest roster in the NBA, has made a significant impact. They rank as the fifth-best offensive team with a rating of 120.7 and the seventh-best defensive team with a rating of 112.7, underscoring the Thunder's rapid development.

Shai further distinguishes himself with a recent victory where the Thunder triumphed over the Celtics, grabbing the league's attention. In that game, the young Canadian led his team with 36 points, marking it as a statement win for the Thunder. The prospect of Tatum and SGA competing for the Larry O'Brien trophy in June is now a tangible possibility, given the outstanding performances of both players and their respective teams.