Back-to-back league MVP guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray were named to the All-NBA first and third teams respectively, the NBA announced on Sunday. The Toronto Raptors, however, were shut out of the selections.
Unanimous Selection for Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander, born in Toronto but raised in Hamilton, was a unanimous first-team pick alongside Murray's teammate Nikola Jokic, with all 100 voters in agreement. San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama fell one vote shy of unanimity, receiving just one second-team vote. Joining them on the first team were Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (91 first-team votes) and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (60).
Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Season
This nomination follows Gilgeous-Alexander becoming only the second Canadian after Steve Nash to win back-to-back NBA MVP awards. He also edged out Murray for the Clutch Player of the Year award. Averaging 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a career-high 6.6 assists per game, he posted a 15.2 win share for the Western Conference finalist Thunder, according to Basketball Reference. The Thunder held a 2-1 series lead over the Spurs heading into Sunday night's game.
Murray's First All-NBA Honor
Murray earned his first All-NBA selection with 27 second-team votes and 68 third-team nods, averaging a career-high 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Nuggets. The third team also included Pistons center Jalen Duren, Thunder center/forward Chet Holmgren, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson.
Second Team and Raptors Snubs
The second team featured Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown, L.A. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant, and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Two Raptors received votes: Scottie Barnes got nine third-team votes and Brandon Ingram got one. Notably absent was 21-time All-NBA nominee LeBron James of the Lakers.
