Why Kenrich Williams believes SGA is still underrated despite the MVP win

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Giljus-Alexander scored 40+ points in its second straight game, Kenrich Williams says fans should be more thankful for SGA’s back-to-back MVP-caliber seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic 40 points in a 122-102 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks was followed by a 47-point performance in a loss as Oklahoma City’s 18-point comeback collapsed against the Indiana Pacers.

Still, after Friday’s 117-114 loss to the Pacers in a rematch of the NBA Finals, Williams says what Gilgeous-Alexander is doing right now won’t be truly appreciated until his SGA career ends, like Kenrich was blown away by the production of the All-Star guard.

“It’s just amazing. He’s playing at an MVP level again and I really don’t think people will appreciate that until he’s done playing,” Williams said. “What he’s doing right now – how effective he is, the way he’s leading our team – I don’t think the whole world appreciates that as much as it should.”

Kenrich Williams on SGA’s MVP-caliber season: “I don’t think people will appreciate it until he’s done playing…

The whole world is kind of — they don’t appreciate it as much as they should.” pic.twitter.com/Ik0CgSi9M1

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) January 24, 2026

Williams’ 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal led the Thunder’s bench production. Gilgeous-Alexander went 17-of-28 from the floor en route to a game-high 47 points and went 12-for-12 from the free throw line. He also added four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.

Kenrich Williams says SGA is underappreciated

All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has combined for 87 points in the Thunder’s last two games as the reigning MVP has stepped up his game amid an extended injury list for the defending champions. Without All-Star Jaylen Williams, starter Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams was one of coach Mark Deno’s options for his frontcourt.

Williams, who is seeing firsthand what Gilgeous-Alexander does in 2025-26 as he solidifies his stance for back-to-back MVPs, believes fans are taking it all for granted.

“What he’s doing right now is unreal. How effective he is from guard, his availability every night, playing big minutes, showing up every game no matter who we’re playing, that’s what I mean,” Williams said. “An amazing player and a great guy to go with it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a career-high 32.0 points on 55.5% shooting, 6.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game this season.