2025 NBA MVP Showdown: Jokic vs. SGA - Who Will Claim the Crown?

The 2025 NBA season has been nothing short of spectacular, with the MVP race boiling down to a fierce competition between Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both players have delivered historic performances, making this one of the most tightly contested MVP races in recent memory.

The Contenders

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force behind the Thunder's remarkable 68-win season, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Averaging a league-leading 32.7 points per game, along with 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists, SGA has been a scoring machine with a 51.9% field goal percentage. His leadership has propelled the Thunder to one of the most dominant regular-season performances in NBA history.

On the other hand, Nikola Jokic continues to redefine the center position with his unparalleled versatility. This season, Jokic averaged a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His efficiency is off the charts, shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. If Jokic secures the MVP, it will be his fourth in five seasons, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks also remains in the conversation, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. While Giannis has been phenomenal, the spotlight remains firmly on Jokic and SGA.

The Stats Breakdown

Player	Team	Games Played	PPG	RPG	APG	FG%	3P%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Oklahoma City Thunder	76	32.7	5.0	6.4	51.9	35.2
Nikola Jokic	Denver Nuggets	70	29.6	12.7	10.2	57.6	41.7
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	67	30.4	11.9	6.5	54.3	28.9

The Final Verdict

According to ESPN's final MVP straw poll, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds a slight edge with 77 first-place votes out of 100, totaling 931 points. Jokic, while close behind, garnered 769 points. The race is razor-thin, with both players making compelling cases for the award.

What’s at Stake?

For SGA, winning the MVP would be a crowning achievement in his breakout season, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players. For Jokic, a fourth MVP would place him in an exclusive club of players with multiple MVP awards, further enhancing his Hall of Fame resume.

As the playoffs unfold, the performances of these two superstars will continue to be under the microscope. Whether it’s SGA’s scoring prowess or Jokic’s all-around dominance, the 2025 MVP race is a testament to the incredible talent in the NBA today.