The 2025 NBA MVP Awards race has been one of the most engaging conversations this year. With the likes of some immensely talented players featuring on the list at different points in the season, several fans and media personalities alike have made strong cases for one player over others.
With the regular season coming to an end, the deadlock on this debate will also be addressed once and for all. The NBA recently revealed the finalists for the 2025 NBA MVP award.
The final list of candidates features Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
These three players have had terrific individual performances this season, and they have received significant praise for it as well. However, fans have gone out of their way to promote who they believe to be the most deserving.
The majority of fan reactions are split between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, with Antetokounmpo receiving very little support for his case.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is, of course, an NBA MVP finalist,” said a fan, addressing the very obvious statement.
“Jokic only right answer”, said one Nuggets fan, displaying his support for the center.
“This is why Jokic is MVP. I don’t see SGA coaching,” said another, while sharing a video of the Serbian calling out a play during a timeout.
“Giannis had a crazy season and he has 0 chance. This was one of the best MVP races ever. Jokic has to win 100% though,” said one fan, in an attempt to be unbiased.
“We all know Jokic deserves it but go ahead and give it to Shai,” said yet another fan, with some degree of reluctance.
Many fans have also made a case for players such as Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum being snubbed from being finalists in the MVP race. However, it is difficult to disagree with the list as it stands.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been on the rise over the last few seasons. As one of the most talented and skilled guards in the league, the 26-year-old is an offensive weapon. This was put on full display this season as he notched a league-leading 32.7 points per game, winning his first scoring title in the process of doing so.
The Thunder guard has been vital for his team. His presence on the floor has ensured victory in more situations than one, as OKC ended the season at the top of the West with a 68-14 record. Needless to say, his case for MVP has received much support.
Next up is the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic. Jokic is effectively a cheat code, as he continues to dominate the stat sheet. With an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, the Nuggets center is doing unthinkable things to contribute to his team’s winning efforts.
Although he isn’t the leading scorer, he features in the top five of multiple categories and has been beyond vital for Denver’s success this season. With a 50-32 record for the season, the Serbian guided his team to fourth in the West. Jokic’s case for winning the MVP award this season is as good as any.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to be the only player from the Eastern Conference to make an appearance in the final list of candidates. Although the Milwaukee Bucks had a rough start to the season, the forward played a vital role in helping the team right the ship and end the season with a solid 48-34 record. With resurgent form this season, the Bucks star earns his place in the top 3 for the MVP awards.
Antetokounmpo has been known to put up incredible stats, and this season was no different. The Greek forward ended the regular season with a dominant 30.4 points per game to go with his 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
With the postseason underway, there isn’t much the players or fans can do to strengthen their case at this point. However, with opinions being changed on a day-to-day basis, the MVP race heats up in its final stages.
