Victor Wembanyama sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win as a motivation for his future

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was finally confirmed as the 2025-26 MVP ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.

He lifted the Michael Jordan Trophy right before Game 1 in front of the adoring Thunder fans. However, he also lifted it while Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs was on the sidelines, one of his rivals for the MVP award.

Victor Wembanyama is motivated by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win

While Wembanyama earned his spot as one of the leading candidates for MVP, SGA did deserve this award. He was the best player on the league's best team, while scoring at an unreal rate. 

He was scoring over 30 points a game while still hitting at an all-time efficiency. That cements him as one of the best players in the league, and with back-to-back MVPs, possibly one of the greatest in NBA history.

MORE: The head-to-head history between superstars Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

While SGA does deserve the award, Wemby will use losing the award as motivation. Most of the world's best athletes find motivation in losing awards, and this might be the reason behind Wembanyama aiming for more in the future.

"I still have a lot to learn, and I want to get that trophy many times in my career," Wembanyama said after his phenomenal Game 1 performance.

Wembanyama has the right mindset when it comes to this award. He could have felt bitter about the award, but he knows SGA deserves the award, and at 22, Wemby has plenty of opportunities left in his career.

More NBA news:

• The Spurs are three wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014
• The beef between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, explained
• Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are built like they are ready for a run to the Finals
• Stephon Castle sees Victor Wembanyama as the best player in the world
• The complete history of the San Antonio Spurs in the Playoffs