Home
The NBA has announced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs as the three finalists for the 2025-26 Kia Most Valuable Player award on Sunday.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, led the Thunder to the league's best record while posting elite scoring and efficiency numbers. Jokić, on the other hand, delivered another triple-double season, and Wembanyama powered a top Western Conference team with dominant two-way play as a Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner.
NBA announces three finalists for NBA MVP with Luka Doncic left out
The winner will be revealed at the NBA Awards, continuing a streak of international players claiming the honor. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, who led the league in scoring at approximately 33.5 points per game and posted strong assist numbers, was notably left off the finalists list despite playing in enough games to qualify under an eligibility exception.
The finalists represent a mix of proven excellence and emerging stardom. Gilgeous-Alexander chased a repeat, Jokić aimed for a fourth MVP, and Wembanyama made a case as a transformative force in just his third season.
ALSO READ: Bronny and LeBron James join forces for major campaign ahead of NBA playoffs
ADVERTISEMENT
