Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to search for the first NBA MVP of his young career. Recent developments have been encouraging in suggesting that he should be on track for this individual achievement.

The precise moment when the Kia Race to the MVP got real was last Sunday when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swatted away a layup attempt by Jayson Tatum, another Kia MVP contender, in the tense fourth-quarter moments of Oklahoma City vs. Boston.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited Cavs’ Jarrett Allen for his dominating performance leading Donovan Mitchell and the team in Wednesday’s loss. Following one of the more entertaining games between two small-market teams, a reporter asked Gilgeous-Alexander about its significance.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander means what he says, the NBA won’t have much choice but to reinsert itself in cities like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a minus-odds favorite to win NBA MVP despite Nikola Jokić's outstanding numbers so far this season.

I can't see a world where I'm not in Oklahoma City," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Market, no market. I don't care. I'm comfortable where I am. I love where I

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 26 years old, in the MVP conversation (again) and playing for a tight-knit team that has a chance to win a championship. His two most talented teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams,