Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a remarkable 2024-2025 season, taking home the MVP award and leading the Thunder to their first championship in Oklahoma City.
Gilgeous-Alexander entered the season as one of the favorites to win the award again with former winners Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo on his heels, but with injuries hitting the NBA hard this season, there’s a chance none of those players are even in the mix for the award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Discusses the NBA’s 65-Game Rule
Prior to the 2023-2024 season, the NBA implemented a rule that, to be eligible for major awards like MVP, you have to play in at least 65 games. The rule initially seemed aimed at teams that were resting stars, or, as it has been called, “load management.”
The NBA wanted to make sure its stars were seen in marquee games to help the fan experience, but some believe it is now hindering the league, stopping some of its very best from competing for the league’s top honors.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić squared off on Friday night with the Thunder rallying for a 127-121 victory. Gilgeous-Alexander had another fantastic night, putting up 36 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in the win.
Gilgeous-Alexander explained that his health is his top priority, even if it means not repeating as an MVP.
“I mean, health is first and foremost. So if I couldn’t go tonight, I wouldn’t force it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “If I couldn’t go in these next six, I wouldn’t force it for the requirement, because my health is first and foremost over awards and things like that.”
SGA on the 65-game rule for awards: “I think it’s reasonable.” pic.twitter.com/JxEXqQ1eu2
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 28, 2026
Although some have expressed displeasure with the rule, Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t one of them.
“Now I don’t mind the rule, just because in history, the guys that have won awards have played most of the season. So it’s like whether there’s a hard line or not, you have to play most of the games. Most of the time it’s 65% of them or 65 out of the 82 to win an award. So, I think it’s reasonable. I don’t think it’s a far stretch. I don’t see nothing wrong with it.”
Although the number of games should be factored into these awards, the debate should center on how many games players should be able to miss – 17 games is less than a quarter of the season.
Gilgeous-Alexander has played in 50 of the Thunder’s 61 games, so he still has wiggle room in terms of taking home an award this season. He’s averaging 31.9 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 55.0% from the field and 38.5% from three.
