Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP candidacy is gaining traction within the NBA community, with many players expressing their support for him over previous winner Nikola Jokic. James Harden recently highlighted the collective desire among players to see Gilgeous-Alexander receive the award following a standout season that propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a remarkable 68-14 record, the best point differential in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring average of 32 points per game has drawn parallels to Harden's MVP-winning campaign in 2018. With the Thunder's impressive performance and Gilgeous-Alexander's contributions as the offensive keystone, he is positioned to dethrone Jokic and make history.

The upcoming 2025 NBA playoffs are poised to be a pivotal moment for several stars, with implications for their legacies and teams. Among them, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets must prove their worth alongside Nikola Jokic, especially after past playoff injuries. For the Lakers, the trade for Luka Doncic could reshape narratives, particularly regarding the Mavericks' decision to let him go. Meanwhile, 40-year-old LeBron James faces the pressure of possibly his last shot at a fifth title.

In Minnesota, Rudy Gobert's role is critical as he nears the end of his prime, while Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics aims to solidify his status as a top player if he can lead the team to consecutive championships. Giannis Antetokounmpo's legacy is on the line as the Bucks seek to avoid another early playoff exit. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden need to overcome injury concerns and playoff failures, respectively. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Oklahoma City Thunder and must deliver a championship to cement his rising star status, while Jimmy Butler could transform his legacy should he help the Warriors clinch a title.

The NBA playoff landscape is as unpredictable as ever, with six different champions in the last six years, prompting questions about which team will emerge victorious this season. As fans gear up for the playoffs, the Raptors remain a central focus, with intriguing narratives surrounding the competition. Key players like Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks are pivotal to their teams' fortunes. The potential for playoff surprises looms large, especially with the Bucks' latest challenges and the Clippers’ star power.

With the playoffs featuring compelling matchups, the performances of rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is a frontrunner for MVP, will be watched closely. As teams like the Denver Nuggets navigate coaching changes, and dynasties like the Golden State Warriors face the reality of their championship window closing, anticipation is building for thrilling basketball ahead.

As the 2024-25 NBA season concludes, let's highlight the standout guards in points leagues. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder tops the list, averaging 54.1 fantasy points per game with an impressive scoring average of 32.7 points per game, making him a strong MVP candidate. Luka Doncic follows with 52.5 FP/G, showcasing his versatility even after a mid-season trade to the Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James.

Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has emerged as a surprise star, averaging 48.0 FP/G, reflecting significant improvement and contributing to the Pistons’ playoff spot. James Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks round out the top five, with both providing crucial contributions in points and assists.

As the NBA season culminates, the battle for the league's most coveted awards heats up. The MVP race sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets as frontrunners, both boasting stellar stats. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring, while Jokic showcases his all-around game with exceptional offensive stats. The edge may lean towards Gilgeous-Alexander due to his team's historic performance, outscoring rivals significantly.

For Defensive Player of the Year, Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers emerges as a favorite after anchoring the league's third-best defense, outpacing Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the Coach of the Year category, Kenny Atkinson's leadership has transformed the Cavaliers into a dominant force in the East.

Rookie of the Year is poised to be a tight contest as well, with Zaccharie Risacher leading the charge, while Most Improved Player might see Evan Mobley clinch the title after a breakout season. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks stands out in clutch situations, vying for Clutch Player of the Year.