Key Takeaways
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander won his second straight NBA MVP award and celebrated by gifting his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates luxury items.
- The 2024‑25 MVP gift package included Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats, golf clubs, YSL cologne, custom Levi’s “Canadian tuxedo” sets, iPhone 17s with free AT&T service, Spotify Premium memberships, and custom Don Julio 1942 bottles.
- Gilgeous‑Alexander repeatedly credited his teammates for his success, emphasizing that the honors belong to the group, not just the individual.
- His MVP season featured historic statistical feats: averaging 30+ points, five assists, and shooting 55% from the field – a first in NBA history – and joining Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players to average 30 points per game in back‑to‑to‑back MVP campaigns.
- The Thunder will open their Western Conference finals series against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, with players expected to sport the Burberry trench coats gifted by their MVP leader.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s second consecutive Most Valuable Player award capped off a remarkable season for the Oklahoma City Thunder star, but the ceremony took on a distinctly personal twist before he even accepted the trophy. Rather than focusing solely on his own accolades, Gilgeous‑Alexander turned the moment into a team‑centric celebration, presenting each of his teammates with a curated collection of high‑end gifts. The gesture echoed his MVP‑year tradition from the previous season, when he awarded Rolex watches to the same group, reinforcing a pattern of generosity that has become a hallmark of his leadership style.
The MVP night began with Gilgeous‑Alexander addressing the room, his voice sincere and appreciative. “I just want to say thank you guys for everything. I wouldn’t be the player I am or person I am … without you guys,” he said, before adding a light‑hearted invitation to enjoy the presents: “Yeah, have fun. I love you guys.” Those words set the tone for what followed—a series of unwrapping moments that highlighted both the thoughtfulness behind each item and the camaraderie shared within the Thunder locker room.
When the gifts were revealed, the players first opened a variety of accessories before the centerpiece—Audemars Piguet watches—were unveiled. Gilgeous‑Alexander personally handed each timepiece to his teammates, a gesture that underscored the personal nature of the gift. Following the watches, the Burberry trench coats made their debut. The star noted that he chose the coats because he views his teammates as “very fashionable guys” and wanted to “help them out a little bit.” He added a humorous aside about Chet Holmgren’s coat, joking that it needed an extension and promising Holmgren a second coat to ensure a perfect fit. The trench coats quickly became a visible symbol of unity, with several players donning them at Gilgeous‑Alexander’s MVP press conference shortly thereafter.
Beyond the watches and outerwear, the MVP gift basket was extensive. Each teammate received a bottle of YSL cologne, a custom Levi’s “Canadian tuxedo” set (a denim jacket paired with matching jeans), a brand‑new iPhone 17 accompanied by complimentary AT&T service, a Spotify Premium subscription, and a custom‑engraved Don Julio 1942 bottle. Golf bags and clubs rounded out the assortment, providing both practical and leisure‑oriented presents. The breadth of the package illustrated Gilgeous‑Alexander’s desire to cover multiple facets of his teammates’ lives—style, technology, entertainment, and recreation—while also marking the occasion with luxury items that carry lasting value.
Statistically, Gilgeous‑Alexander’s MVP‑winning campaign placed him in rare company. According to ESPN Research, he became the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and five assists per game while shooting 55% or better from the field. This combination of scoring volume, playmaking, and efficiency set a new benchmark for all‑around excellence. Moreover, he joined Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar as the only players to record 30+ points per game in consecutive MVP seasons, further cementing his place among the game’s elite scorers.
The timing of the MVP celebration is particularly pertinent as the Thunder prepare to embark on their Western Conference finals showdown with the San Antonio Spurs, slated to begin Monday night. Given the players’ recent embrace of the Burberry trench coats gifted by their MVP leader, it would not be surprising to see the team arrive at the arena clad in those very coats—a visual testament to the bond forged through Gilgeous‑Alexander’s generosity and the collective spirit that has driven Oklahoma City’s postseason run. As the series unfolds, the blend of individual brilliance and team‑first camaraderie exemplified by the MVP night will likely remain a defining narrative for the Thunder’s pursuit of a championship.