How can SGA pull off a Christmas feat not seen since LeBron in 2013?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to reach a rare milestone on Christmas as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to host the San Antonio Spurs in a nationally televised matchup on ABC and ESPN.

According to NBAPR, Gilgeous-Alexander will become the first reigning Kia NBA MVP and Finals MVP to play on Christmas Day since LeBron James he did it in 2013 with the Miami Heat.

“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will become the first reigning Kia NBA MVP and Finals MVP to play on Christmas Day since LeBron James in 2013.”

The distinction puts Gilgeous-Alexander in elite historical company and reflects the continued positioning of the league’s most successful stars in the holiday game. James’ performance in 2013 came at the height of Miami’s championship run, paralleling Oklahoma City’s current position at the top of the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should become the first reigning Kia NBA MVP and Finals MVP to play on Christmas Day since LeBron James in 2013.

Gilgeous-Alexander i @okcthunder host the @spurs on #NBAXmas at 2:30 PM ET on ABC/ESPN. pic.tvitter.com/jRUuznmkVl

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 24, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander builds on MVP season as LeBron James’ milestone looms

Gilgeous-Alexander, 27, is coming off a historic season in which he won both MVP and Finals MVP. The Thunder finished the regular season with 68 wins before defeating the Indiana Pacers in seven games to secure the franchise’s first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma City.

This season, Gilgeous-Alexander has continued his dominant play. Through 29 games, he averaged 32.5 points, a career-high 6.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting a career-best 55.7% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range in 33.4 minutes per game.

Despite opening the season 24-1, Oklahoma City has shown vulnerability in recent weeks. The Thunder have lost three of their last five games, including two losses to San Antonio — a Defeat 111-109 in the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas December 13 and a 130-110 loss Tuesday night in San Antonio.

Thursday’s Christmas Day game is set for 2:30 PM ET and opens a four-game homestand for Oklahoma City (26-4). Elsewhere on the holiday board, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (19-9) will host the Houston Rockets (17-10), continuing the Christmas tradition that now links two MVPs from different eras through rare and prestigious standards.