NBA 2025 MVP Race Heats Up Between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic

As the 2025 NBA season progresses, the race for the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is intensifying, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic emerging as the frontrunners. Gilgeous-Alexander, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference, is having a career-best season, ranking third in scoring and first in steals. Jokic, the reigning MVP, continues to dominate with the Denver Nuggets, leading in multiple statistical categories despite his team’s fluctuating standings.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact is evident in the Thunder’s performance, with the team outscoring opponents by 17.1 points per 100 possessions when he is on the court. His contributions have been pivotal in maintaining the Thunder’s position as one of the league’s best teams. On the other hand, Jokic’s individual stats are slightly superior, with top rankings in scoring, rebounds, and assists. However, the Nuggets’ inconsistent team performance could hinder his MVP chances unless they improve their standings.

Other players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama are also in the conversation, but their teams’ struggles to maintain a winning record make them long shots for the award. Jayson Tatum, despite leading the defending champion Boston Celtics, lacks the statistical impact to compete with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. The MVP race remains a tight contest between these two stars, with Gilgeous-Alexander holding a slight edge due to his team’s success.

In other award races, the Rookie of the Year competition is wide open following injuries to key players. Zach Edey, Alex Sarr, and others are vying for the top spot, with no clear favorite emerging yet. The Sixth Man of the Year race sees Payton Pritchard as the current favorite, but De'Andre Hunter‘s recent performances have narrowed the gap. Cade Cunningham is leading the Most Improved Player race, showcasing his All-NBA potential with the Detroit Pistons.

Victor Wembanyama is the clear frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award, leading the league in blocks and significantly impacting the game on the defensive end. In the Coach of the Year race, Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers is the favorite, with Jamahl Mosley and Ime Udoka also in contention for their impressive coaching performances this season.