The NBA MVP 2025 conversation has captivated basketball fans more than any award race in recent memory. With the regular season concluded, the battle between Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has become the centerpiece of NBA discussions. As the playoffs add further drama, the spotlight burns even brighter for these superstars.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Making History in Oklahoma City

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has risen to new heights this season. Leading the Thunder to a stunning 68-win record, he averaged a league-high 32.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. His efficiency, marked by 51.9% shooting, has set him apart as arguably the top two-way guard in the league today. Oklahoma City’s dominance in the regular season is a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth and leadership, which many believe will earn him his first MVP trophy.

According to ESPN’s breakdown of NBA MVP 2025 finalists, polling revealed that Shai received a commanding 77 of 100 first-place votes. He pulled ahead of Jokic by a significant margin, according to media ballots, solidifying his case as the season’s top performer.

Nikola Jokic: Unmatched Consistency and Historic Numbers

It’s impossible to discuss MVP candidates without highlighting Nikola Jokic’s statistical brilliance. The Denver Nuggets’ center averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and a staggering 10.2 assists per game—one of the most well-rounded stat lines in league history. Jokic led Denver to the fourth seed in the Western Conference and came close to securing his fourth MVP in five years.

His playoff performances have also drawn praise. In Game 5 against Oklahoma City, Jokic nearly carried Denver single-handedly, scoring 44 points and grabbing 15 boards, as recounted in Defector’s detailed analysis. While Denver struggled as a team in key moments, Jokic’s dominance underlined his unique value and leadership on the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee’s Relentless Force

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be a familiar face among MVP finalists. Averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, he remained the engine of the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the Bucks’ stiffer competition in the East, Giannis anchored their push for a top seed and delivered nightly excellence.

His consistent output put him firmly in the MVP mix once again, showing how his blend of power and skill remains unmatched. While the focus is often on Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, Giannis’s all-around play cannot be overlooked.

Drama Around the MVP Presentation

A unique twist in the NBA MVP 2025 story has been the delayed public presentation of the award. Traditionally, the winner is announced and celebrates with their home crowd during the playoffs. However, this year’s ceremony for Gilgeous-Alexander has been postponed, puzzling many.

Yahoo Sports explains the odd delay in presenting the MVP trophy to Shai ahead of a possible Game 7 or Western Conference Finals. While this move adds anticipation, it also means Thunder fans have to wait longer to celebrate.

Why This MVP Race Matters

The 2025 NBA MVP race is important for several reasons. It showcases the NBA’s new era, where emerging stars like Gilgeous-Alexander can challenge established giants like Jokic and Giannis. The close battle at the top reflects the league’s growing parity and the incredible talent pool across teams.

More than stats, this year’s MVP debate reveals the values shaping the NBA: leadership, team impact, and clutch performances on the biggest stage.

Final Thoughts

The NBA MVP 2025 race has delivered unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Whether the award goes to Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, or Giannis, one thing is clear: fans will remember this battle for years to come. Stay tuned for the official MVP announcement and get ready for the next chapter in NBA history!