Shai Gilgeous-Alexander loses 2026 ESPY award to rival star

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lost the 2026 ESPY for Best NBA Player, finishing as runner-up to a rival star. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard was nominated but fell short in the fan-voted award.

What happened at the 2026 ESPYs?

The 2026 ESPY Awards took place on July 15, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander among the finalists for Best NBA Player. Despite a stellar season with the Thunder, he lost to a rival who had a slightly stronger statistical campaign. The voting was close, but Gilgeous-Alexander came up just short.

Why did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander miss out?

Gilgeous-Alexander had a standout year, averaging career-highs in points and assists. However, his rival’s team had a deeper playoff run, giving them an edge in the voting. The ESPYs often favor players with postseason success, and that likely played a role in the final decision.

What’s next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

The Thunder star will now focus on the upcoming NBA season, where he’ll aim to lead his team to greater heights. With another year of experience under his belt, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be even more dominant in 2026-27. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can bounce back from this ESPY loss.