The last time an American-born player walked away with the top honor was James Harden in 2018. The run of international players winning MVP -- Gilgeous-Alexander is from Canada -- speaks to the expanding global reach of the NBA and the increased number of talent outside of the United States.

In the third quarter of the Timberwolves’ Game 1 loss to Oklahoma City, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tried to drive right past his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Shai fell down, and the official called a foul on Nickeil.

The Knicks are favored by 4.5 points at Madison Square Garden and are -150 to win the series. In the Western Conference, the championship-favorite Oklahoma City Thunder came alive in the second half Tuesday and rolled to a 114-88 win in Game 1 of their series with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had an elite regular season. Despite his Milwaukee Bucks dealing with a plethora of injuries throughout the season, Antetokounmpo stepped up, shouldering the majority of the load for his squad.