Ian Eagle said on Tuesday morning that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be announced as the 2024-25 NBA MVP ahead of Game 5 between the Denver Nuggets and Thunder. The NBA announcer said he's heard "murmurs" while speaking on Denver's Altitude Sports Radio.
Nuggets fans might not like hearing and seeing SGA be celebrated as the MVP winner on Tuesday, but it could play in Denver's favor. Nikola Jokic will probably sigh with relief about the MVP debate ending, but that doesn't mean it won't serve as added motivation. Jokic is due for a big night after struggling the past couple of games (Aaron Gordon has been in the spotlight instead), and what better time for one than right after SGA wins his first-ever MVP award?
If it happens, it would also fuel the rest of the team far more than Jokic. They all know who should've won MVP. Jokic won't play with a chip on his shoulder, but you know that his teammates will play with one for him.
SGA winning MVP award before Game 5 could play in Nuggets' favor
Game 5 isn't win-or-go-home, but that doesn't lessen its importance, at least in the eyes of the Nuggets and Thunder. Leaving Paycom Center with a 3-2 lead and the chance to end the series at Ball Arena would be massive for Denver.
As Denver fans know all too well because of 2023, who wins MVP doesn't matter in the playoffs. Remember what happened after Joel Embiid won MVP over Jokic two years ago? The Nuggets went on to win their first-ever championship. The Celtics beat Embiid and the Sixers in the second round — an outcome the Nuggets want to replicate against the Thunder.
The OKC crowd will be even more electric if Gilgeous-Alexander wins the award, but Denver could absorb that energy en route to a statement win. Jokic won't set out to prove yet again that he's the best player in the world in Game 5 because he doesn't need to do that. It's just how he is. There isn't another player like Jokic, and there may never be another.
Nuggets fans can accept the Thunder having their fun before the game starts, so long as Denver is the one that walks off the court with the win.