The NBA MVP Race 2025 is heating up as the regular season winds down. Every year, the MVP race creates a lot of excitement and debate among fans, players, and analysts. This season, one name has risen above the rest: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder star is having a breakout year and has become the clear favorite for the league’s top individual honor.
Let’s dive into who is leading the race, who is chasing closely, and who are the dark horses in the NBA MVP Race 2025.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Breakout Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also known as SGA, has been the standout player of the season. He is averaging 32.7 points per game, with strong numbers in assists, rebounds, and steals. His scoring efficiency is remarkable, shooting over 53% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. More importantly, he has led the Thunder to one of the best records in the NBA.
Under SGA’s leadership, Oklahoma City finished the regular season with a record of 68–14, their best in over a decade. His ability to score, create for teammates, and play solid defense has made him a complete player. His dominance has been recognized by his peers as well. A recent anonymous NBA player poll revealed that 56.1% of players believe SGA deserves the MVP award.
What makes SGA’s rise so impressive is how quickly he has taken over as a true superstar. Two years ago, many saw him as a future star. Today, he is the face of the Thunder’s success and one of the league’s brightest talents.
Nikola Jokić: The Steady Challenger
Nikola Jokić, the two-time MVP from the Denver Nuggets, continues to be a force. Jokić is averaging 30 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His unique style as a playmaking center makes him one of the most difficult players to guard.
Jokić’s basketball IQ, passing ability, and efficient scoring keep him firmly in the MVP conversation. The Nuggets had another strong season, finishing near the top of the Western Conference standings.
However, despite his usual brilliance, Jokić has slightly fewer signature moments this season compared to SGA. That might be the biggest reason why the Thunder star is leading the NBA MVP Race 2025.
Still, it would not be a surprise if voters reward Jokić for his consistent greatness, especially if he shines in the playoffs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Never Count Him Out
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another MVP finalist. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has maintained his dominant form, averaging 30+ points and close to 12 rebounds per game. His ability to impact both ends of the floor remains unmatched.
Giannis led the Bucks to another top-three finish in the Eastern Conference. His athleticism, defense, and sheer willpower continue to make him one of the most respected players in the league.
While Giannis might not have generated as many headlines as SGA this season, his steady excellence makes him a serious candidate for MVP. If voters lean towards rewarding consistency and two-way impact, Giannis could pull off an upset.
Dark Horses and Rising Stars
While the top three candidates dominate the headlines, there are a few other players worth mentioning in the NBA MVP Race 2025.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Tatum has had another excellent season, leading the Celtics to one of the best records in the league. He averaged over 28 points per game and improved his playmaking and defense. While he is slightly behind the top three, Tatum’s leadership and consistency keep him in the conversation.
Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
Luka Dončić continues to put up monster stats. He averaged over 33 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds per game. His offensive brilliance is undeniable, but the Mavericks’ inconsistent record might hurt his MVP case this year.
Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Anthony Edwards has made a major leap this season. He has turned the Timberwolves into a real playoff threat in the Western Conference. His scoring and defense have improved significantly, making him a name to watch for future MVP races.
What Makes This MVP Race Special?
The NBA MVP Race 2025 is exciting because it highlights the emergence of a new superstar. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise signals a shift in the NBA’s landscape. While established stars like Jokić and Giannis continue to dominate, new faces are stepping up.
This year’s MVP race also shows how much team success matters. SGA’s leadership in turning the Thunder into a powerhouse has played a major role in boosting his MVP case. Meanwhile, players like Luka, despite amazing individual numbers, fall slightly behind because their teams have not been consistent winners.
Voter Sentiment and Final Predictions
If the anonymous NBA player poll is any hint, the media voters will likely favor Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His story this season — a young star leading a rising team to the top — is hard to ignore.
Most MVP voters look at three key factors:
- Individual stats
- Team success
- Impact on both ends of the court
SGA checks all three boxes this year. Unless there is a major surprise, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be crowned the MVP of the 2024–25 NBA season.
When Will the MVP Be Announced?
The NBA usually announces the MVP winner during the playoffs. In 2025, the announcement is expected in early May, during the second round of the playoffs.
Fans can look forward to a major celebration if SGA wins. It would be his first MVP award and a massive moment for Oklahoma City Thunder fans, who have been waiting for a new superstar era since the days of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Final Thoughts
The NBA MVP Race 2025 has been one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season is the main headline, but the incredible performances from Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others have made this race truly special.
As the playoffs begin, the MVP chatter will continue, but it feels like SGA’s moment has arrived. He has not only earned the respect of the fans but also of his peers and the basketball world.
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