Gilgeous-Alexander Crowned MVP King as Jokić and Giannis Extend Era of Greatness
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has earned his first NBA MVP award, securing 71 first-place votes and 29 second-place votes after finishing as runner-up to Nikola Jokić last season. The Oklahoma City guard’s breakout year propelled him to the top of the league’s elite. Meanwhile, Jokić — Denver’s dominant center — continued his impressive MVP resume, finishing second this year with 29 first-place votes and 71 second-place nods. Jokić now holds three MVP titles and two runner-up finishes, solidifying his status as a generational talent. Giannis Antetokounmpo also remained a strong presence in the MVP race, garnering 88 third-place votes. Though he didn’t crack the top two this time, the Milwaukee forward has consistently been in the mix, finishing third for the third time (2022, 2023, and now 2025). Since the 2017–18 season, Giannis has never placed lower than fourth, underscoring his enduring dominance in the league.
