NBA Awards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins MVP as Season Draws to Close

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 10, 2025 — As the 2024-25 NBA regular season nears its end, the annual awards race has intensified. A panel of writers and editors has cast their votes to determine the league’s top performers this season, culminating in the selection of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

This year, Gilgeous-Alexander, an Oklahoma City Thunder star, has dominated the scoring charts, leading the NBA with an impressive average of 32.7 points per game. His season stats also include 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks, boasting shooting percentages of 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 89.8% from the free-throw line.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has placed him at the top of several advanced metrics, including the highest Win Shares per 48 Minutes and exceptional rankings in Box Plus/Minus and Value Over Replacement Player. Many observers consider him not only the MVP of the season but also a serious contender for best player in the league.

Despite strong arguments for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is statistically running close with 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, the overall team context weighed heavily in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder currently hold the league’s best record at 65-14, while Jokic’s Denver Nuggets are at 47-32.

The MVP voting results are as follows: 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 2. Nikola Jokic 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo 4. Jayson Tatum 5. Anthony Edwards, among others.

In the Rookie of the Year race, San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle emerged victorious amid the struggles of his team following Victor Wembanyama’s blood clot incident. Castle has been pivotal down the stretch, averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game over the season with an explosive finish averaging 19.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in his last 23 games.

In the Defense Player of the Year category, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley was selected for his impact defensively, recording 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. His efforts helped anchor a defense that ranked eighth league-wide in efficiency.

For the Most Improved Player award, Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels claimed the honor due to his significant statistical uptick from previous seasons. Daniels has transformed his numbers from 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds to 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds while also leading the league in steals at 3.0 per game.

Lastly, Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard took home the Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging a career-high 13.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. His performance off the bench contributed significantly to the Celtics’ success this season.

The 2024-25 season has proved to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with strong performances across several categories. The consensus among voters highlights not only the individual brilliance but also the team success that carries significant weight in this year’s awards.