Full Breakdown
NBA MVP Finalists: A Competitive Race Among Elite Players
4/20/2026, 11:49:19 AM
Announcement of Finalists
The NBA has announced the finalists for the 2025-26 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, featuring reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, three-time winner Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and rising star Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. This announcement was made during the playoffs, highlighting the significance of the award as the league progresses into its postseason.
Performance Highlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a league-best record of 64-18, averaging over 30 points per game and demonstrating exceptional scoring efficiency. His performance has positioned him as the favorite to win the MVP award for a second consecutive year. Nikola Jokic, who has been a consistent top performer, averaged 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists, achieving a historic triple-double average while becoming the first player to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season. Victor Wembanyama, in his third NBA season, averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, playing a pivotal role in leading the Spurs to their first playoff berth in seven years.
Context of the Awards
The MVP finalists were revealed during NBC's coverage of the playoffs, with the winners set to be announced throughout the playoff series. This year marks the eighth consecutive season that the MVP award will be presented to an international player, reflecting the NBA's growing global influence. The trend began with Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2019 and has continued with Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander.
Additional Awards and Finalists
In addition to the MVP finalists, Wembanyama is also a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award, alongside Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons. Gilgeous-Alexander is nominated for Clutch Player of the Year, competing against Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Other notable awards include the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player, with finalists announced for each category.
Criticism & Opposition
While Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are seen as frontrunners, some analysts argue that Wembanyama's unique two-way impact on the game could merit serious consideration for the MVP award. However, his chances of winning may be perceived as lower compared to his competitors, given their more established records in the league.
What's Next
The NBA will begin announcing the winners of the individual awards during the playoffs, starting with the Defensive Player of the Year. The MVP award is expected to be revealed early in the second round of the playoffs, adding to the excitement surrounding the postseason.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Gilgeous-Alexander is considered a heavy favorite to win the award for a second straight season.” — Source
- “Jokic, 31, joined Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson as the only players to average a triple-double for an entire season last year.” — Source
This year's MVP race showcases the talents of three elite players, each with compelling arguments for why they should be recognized as the league's most valuable player.
