Gilgeous-Alexander, Wemby, Jokic named MVP finalists

LOS ANGELES — Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the finalists announced Sunday for this season’s award, joining San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic on the final ballot.

The three finalists reflect the NBA’s changing balance of power, with Oklahoma City’s rise, San Antonio’s resurgence and Denver’s sustained contender status shaping the MVP race this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who beat out Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the voting last year and was also named NBA Finals MVP as the Thunder beat Indiana for the title, averaged more than 30 points per game this season.

He also steered Oklahoma City to the top seed in the Western Conference and the league’s best record at 64-18.

That combination of individual production and team success has made Gilgeous-Alexander a central figure in this year’s MVP discussion.

Wembanyama, 22, emerged as the driving force behind San Antonio’s first playoff run since 2019.

He averaged a career-high 25 points per game and a league-best 3.1 blocks, strengthening his case as one of the NBA’s most impactful two-way players.

Jokic, a three-time MVP, again delivered a historic season for Denver.

He averaged a triple-double and became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season.

Jokic finished the regular season with averages of 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game.

Wembanyama also headlines the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year.

Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons joined Wembanyama on that ballot.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also a finalist for Clutch Player of the Year.

He scored 175 points in clutch time, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic and Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who were both ruled eligible for awards races despite not meeting the 65-game minimum, did not make the final MVP ballot.

Anthony Edwards, whose request for an “extraordinary circumstances” exemption from the 65-game rule was denied, was ruled out of the MVP race.

Edwards still made the list of Clutch Player of the Year finalists because that award is not covered by the 65-game regulation.

The NBA’s major individual awards are voted on by a panel of sports media members.

The league said the winners will be announced over the course of the playoffs.