The NBA has officially announced the three finalists for the 2024–25 Kia Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Emerging as a frontrunner, Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an exceptional season, leading the league with an average of 32.7 points per game.
His leadership propelled the Thunder to a league-best 68–14 record. Notably, he became the first Canadian to lead the NBA in scoring and set a new record with 72 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points, surpassing Michael Jordan’s previous mark.
Jokić continued to redefine the center position, averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
He became the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double over a season, joining the elite company of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. His performance was instrumental in keeping the Nuggets competitive, despite roster challenges.
Antetokounmpo maintained his status as one of the league’s premier players, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
He led the Bucks to victory in the inaugural NBA Cup, earning the tournament’s MVP honors. His consistent excellence continues to make him a formidable presence in the MVP conversation.
This year’s MVP race is particularly notable as it marks the seventh consecutive season without a U.S.-born finalist, highlighting the NBA’s growing international talent pool.
The winner will be announced during the NBA Awards ceremony later this spring.
Other finalists for the 2024–25 regular season awards has also been announced, spotlighting the league’s standout performers across various categories.
Defensive Player of the Year
Following Victor Wembanyama’s ineligibility due to not meeting the minimum games played requirement, the finalists are:
– Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
– Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
– Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Daniels is also a finalist for Most Improved Player.
Rookie of the Year
The top rookies of the season are:
– Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
– Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)
– Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Castle is considered the frontrunner for the award.
Sixth Man of the Year
Recognizing the league’s best reserve players:
– Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons)
– Ty Jerome (Cleveland Cavaliers)
– Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics)
Most Improved Player
Highlighting players who have shown significant development:
– Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
– Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
– Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers)
Clutch Player of the Year
Acknowledging players who excel in high-pressure moments:
– Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
– Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
– Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
Coach of the Year
Celebrating coaching excellence:
– Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
– J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)
– Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
The winners will be announced during the NBA playoffs.
