The precise moment when the Kia Race to the MVP got real was last Sunday when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swatted away a layup attempt by Jayson Tatum, another Kia MVP contender, in the tense fourth-quarter moments of Oklahoma City vs. Boston.

If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander means what he says, the NBA won’t have much choice but to reinsert itself in cities like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks addresses his future with the Thunder after Wednesday's loss to the Cavs

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a minus-odds favorite to win NBA MVP despite Nikola Jokić's outstanding numbers so far this season.

NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wants to retire with the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is in his sixth season with the Thunder, who have the best record in the Western Conference at 30-6.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited Cavs’ Jarrett Allen for his dominating performance leading Donovan Mitchell and the team in Wednesday’s loss. Following one of the more entertaining games between two small-market teams, a reporter asked Gilgeous-Alexander about its significance.

Even when the Oklahoma City Thunder lose, they find a win. After a historic 15-game win streak was snapped in an electrifying affair against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made fans quickly forget the sour taste of a loss.

The build-up for Wednesday night's matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers was huge. The game did not disappoint and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had plenty to say afterwards.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 26 years old, in the MVP conversation (again) and playing for a tight-knit team that has a chance to win a championship. His two most talented teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams,