Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said being named NBA MVP will mean nothing if it is not accompanied by a championship for the Oklahoma City Thunder, after outshining fellow contender Nikola Jokic on Sunday.

In an eagerly anticipated battle between two of the best teams in the Western Conference, the Thunder routed the Denver Nuggets 127-103 at Paycom Center.

While the Thunder lead the West with a 53-11 record for the season, the result dropped Denver to third below the Los Angeles Lakers, at 41-23.

The result could also have ramifications for the battle to land the NBA's top individual honour, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic the main two players in the MVP conversation.

Jokic had 24 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, coming off the back of the first 30-20-20 triple-double in NBA history as the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

But he was bested by Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 40 points and eight assists, as well as making all eight of his free-throw attempts.

But when asked what the win might have done for his MVP prospects, the Canadian preferred to focus on team accomplishments.

"I love MVPs, I love All-Stars, I love all the accolades that come with this," Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters.

"But none of it matters if you don't win, and that's where I hang my hat."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's last 3 games:

51 points, 10/10 FT
41 points, 10/10 FT
40 points, 8/8 FT

He's the first player in NBA history to have three straight 40-point games without missing a free-throw. pic.twitter.com/st8sVmWqmx

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) March 10, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander has now recorded three straight games with at least 40 points and a 100% record from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in NBA history to do so.

He put up 51 points against the Houston Rockets last Monday and sank 41 against the Memphis Grizzles last Wednesday, before being rested for Friday's 107-89 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jokic will get a swift opportunity for revenge on Monday, though, as the teams face off again in the second game of their back-to-back.