Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is labelled the champion in Charles Barkley’s books, and nothing can take that away. Not holding back in a bold statement, Charles Barkley showed favour in Gilgeous-Alexander as he predicted him to be the 2025 NBA MVP couple with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the championship. Making these assumptions, Barkley sourced the predictions from the Thunder’s powerful performance in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets with the star player Gilgeous-Alexander leading the win. In the statement, Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency, leadership and great performance was highlighted.
Barkley titles Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the 2024-25 MVP
May 8th marks the day; Charles Barkley made a daring and bold assumption about an important finale to the NBA season. The 2024-25 NBA season has come across amazing performances and record-breaking moments that add to each players resume. Announcing during the NBA playoffs on the TNT halftime segment, the outstanding Game 2 play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander convinced Charles Barkley that the player is soon to be titled MVP.
Playing against the Denver Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 34 points on 11-of-13 shoots, combined with eight assists and four rebounds. Coming up for the NBA title, amongst Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Barkley has made his decision as he says, “This guy has been the best player all year … He’s carried the Thunder to the top of the West, and he deserves this MVP more than anyone else.”
Backing up this statement, the player carries an average of 31.2 points, 6.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game, which led the Thunder to the playoffs with a 58-24 record. Proclaiming him to be a leader, Barkley says “This is the best defensive team in the NBA, and this guy right here [SGA] is the MVP … They can already extend it to him. We’re gonna see him in the Western Conference Finals when he gets his MVP trophy.”
The Thunder labelled as the 2025 NBA Champions by Barkley
Further favouring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the MVP, Charles Barkley makes even bolder statements saying that the presumed MVP’s team, the Oklahoma City Thunder could win the 2025 NBA Championship. Claiming this, he says “I’m telling you right now, the Thunder are going to win it all … They’ve got the best young core, they play the right way, and they’ve got the MVP leading them.”
Their outstanding performance in the Game 2 series, heighten Barkley’s beliefs. Scoring 87 points in the first half, making an NBA playoff record, the Thunder proved capability in their roster, with eight players scoring double figure points. Seeing their amazing performances, the team’s chemistry and intensity captured Barkley.
The Denver Nuggets’ star player Nikola Jokic faced a hard time on court with great defenders from the Thunder, as they limited his shoots to only 17 points, which is his career worst. Being the highest ranked in the Western Conference, their performance, as mentioned by Barkley, are not just luck but a blueprint to take the cup.
Barkley dismisses the other MVP contenders, saying they are incomplete
Showing support to the Oklahoma City Thunder and their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Charles Barkley furthers his admiration for the player with a comparison to other players, contending for the awards. Being critical to the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics, mentions of them lacking the resilience to win came up.
Assuming that the team has one player making the moves, Barkley said “Denver is too reliant on Jokic”, and that “If Jokic has an off night, they fall apart.” He further notes the shortcomings of Jokic in Game 2 only shooting 6-of-16. Analysing the Celtics equally, he stated that “Boston still hasn’t figured out how to close games in high-pressure situations.”
These thoughts about the two teams felt by Barkley are contrasted by other analysts who defend the honour of the Celtics and Nuggets saying they have more playoff experience. Those who are parallel to Barkley share that the Thunder has a combination of athleticism and great composure. The MVP debates have resurfaced, since Barkley’s bold claims and the Thunder have more eyes on them in the playoffs.
Putting much trust in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as potential MVP and the team that gains the wins, Oklahoma City Thunder as the champions, Charles Barkley remain rigid in the stance he has on the conversation. With the vocality of the topic, this NBA topic has resurfaced with fans and analysts either standing with or against Barkley. After multiple great performances, with much focus on their second game in the second series, Charles Barkley bases his staunch claims on Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding record-breaking moment and the position that has put the Thunder in.
