The Oklahoma City Thunder are doing more than just winning games this season - they’re making a serious run at the NBA’s most prestigious individual awards. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the MVP race, Chet Holmgren staking his claim as the league’s top defender, and Ajay Mitchell emerging as a Sixth Man of the Year contender, OKC has positioned itself not just as a Western Conference powerhouse, but as a team with stars shining across every facet of the game.
A History of Hardware in OKC
Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder have built a reputation for developing elite talent - and the trophy case reflects that. Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and now Gilgeous-Alexander have all carried the MVP torch.
Scott Brooks and Mark Daigneault have earned Coach of the Year honors. James Harden famously won Sixth Man of the Year before becoming a superstar, and Sam Presti has been recognized as the NBA’s top executive.
Add in All-NBA selections, All-Defensive nods, and community awards, and you’ve got a franchise that knows how to cultivate greatness.
But this season? It might be the most decorated yet.
MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Race to Lose
Let’s start with the big one. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just in the MVP conversation - he’s leading it.
With Nikola Jokic sidelined due to a hyperextended knee, the door has swung wide open for SGA to take control of the race. And he’s done just that.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been the engine behind one of the league’s best teams, blending scoring efficiency, playmaking, and leadership in a way that few others can match. This would’ve been the third straight season of a tight MVP battle between him and Jokic, but with the Nuggets star likely falling short of the games played threshold, SGA’s path to the podium looks clearer than ever.
That’s not to say there aren’t challengers. Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, Jaylen Brown, and Anthony Edwards are all having strong seasons.
Victor Wembanyama might have an outside shot if he can meet the league’s availability standards. But right now, as long as Gilgeous-Alexander stays healthy, he’s the frontrunner - and it’s not particularly close.
Defensive Player of the Year: Chet Holmgren’s Breakout
On the other end of the floor, Chet Holmgren is making his own case for league-wide recognition. The rookie big man has been a defensive anchor for the Thunder, altering shots, protecting the rim, and showing the kind of instincts that usually take years to develop.
Oklahoma City has had elite defenders before - think Serge Ibaka’s shot-blocking dominance or Lu Dort’s perimeter lockdowns - but they’ve never quite broken through for DPOY. Holmgren might be the one to finally get them there.
The biggest threat? Victor Wembanyama.
Like Holmgren, Wemby has been a defensive revelation. But availability could be the deciding factor.
If the Spurs’ phenom misses more than four games the rest of the way, he could fall short of the eligibility mark. That would leave Holmgren in pole position, with only Rudy Gobert - a multiple-time winner - standing in his way.
Sixth Man of the Year: Ajay Mitchell in the Mix
Then there’s Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder’s breakout bench star. He’s been a spark plug all season, providing instant offense, energy, and versatility off the bench. And while he’s not the odds-on favorite for Sixth Man of the Year just yet, he’s firmly in the mix.
Naz Reid, last year’s winner, currently holds the top spot in the race. But it’s far from a runaway. Keldon Johnson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Reed Sheppard are all in the conversation, and Mitchell’s impact on a contending team gives him a strong narrative boost.
If Mitchell can return to full health and continue producing down the stretch, he’s got a legitimate shot at taking home the award - especially with no clear frontrunner emerging.
The Bigger Picture
What makes this awards push so significant for OKC isn’t just the individual recognition - it’s what it says about the team’s trajectory. The Thunder aren’t just developing stars; they’re building a sustainable contender with elite talent on both ends of the floor.
Gilgeous-Alexander is an MVP-caliber leader. Holmgren is a defensive game-changer.
Mitchell is proving to be one of the league’s most valuable bench pieces.
And with all three in the thick of award races, Oklahoma City isn’t just chasing wins - they’re chasing legacy.
Keep an eye on this squad. The hardware might just follow.