In a league driven by rivalries and relentless competition, respect from an opponent often carries more weight than any stat line. Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ star, publicly backed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a deserving NBA MVP, turning heads across the basketball world.

Following the matchup where the Thunder swept the Suns by 131-122 with a 4-0 lead, Devin Booker of the Suns commented appreciating Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s performance.

In the post-game interview, Booker stated, “He’s the MVP of the league, and he’s playing the best basketball in the league for the past two years. He makes up with guys, and he knows their roles. I can say when I see their chemistry, their communication, it’s all 100%.”

Reacting to the performance and the broader season, Booker didn’t hold back in his praise.

“When the bench comes in, they get better sometimes, like reinforcements. They have been tested together and have been together for years. So that’s an advantage,” Booker added.

From controlling tempo to giving clutch scoring bursts, Gilgeous-Alexander has been the engine behind the Thunder’s success.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been dominant and has built on his historic accomplishments.

His record-breaking 68-14 Thunder record in the 2024-25 MVP season, where he averaged 30 points with elite defense, joins Michael Jordan.

Booker's 2026 Clutch Player of the Year award backs up his assertion that he's been the NBA's best player for two years running.

He's an elite player, and his recent playoff domination of Phoenix is a perfect example of that.

SGA's Playoff Masterclass Silences Phoenix With Historic Sweep

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won’t stop his postseason domination. And he’s clutch. The Thunder star had 31 points and 8 assists, ending any Phoenix comeback hopes in a 131-122 blowout.

Oklahoma City just swept the Suns—complete.
SGA jumped right into things. He set the tone early, scoring 17 points in the first half alone.

The entire Thunder team shot 61.4% from the floor. Phoenix never had a chance.

The Thunder's supporting cast stepped up in significant ways throughout the series. Chet Holmgren contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie Ajay Mitchell caught fire for 22 points and six assists.

Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the paint with 18 points and 12 boards, and Alex Caruso came off the bench absolutely on fire, dropping 14 points on four three-pointers.

The Suns threw everything they had. Booker, Brooks, and Green each scored over 23 points. Still not enough against Oklahoma City's lockdown defense and the brilliance of SGA.

Gilgeous-Alexander made clutch plays down the stretch to seal it. Next up for the Thunder is a matchup with either the Lakers or Rockets, and they are looking downright unstoppable.

What do you think, does Shai Gilgeous Alexander deserve MVP? Comment down!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Utsav Gupta