The MVP Contenders

With roughly twenty games remaining in the regular season, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player race is reaching a critical juncture. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander currently holds a commanding lead, but challenges from Denver’s Nikola Jokic and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama are adding intrigue.

According to an ESPN straw poll of 100 media members, Gilgeous-Alexander received 78 first-place votes, appearing on every ballot. Jokic secured 18 first-place votes. Wembanyama has similarly garnered attention, receiving three first-place votes, surpassing Detroit’s Cade Cunningham who received one.

ESPN’s Tim Bontemps writes that a Joel Embiid-like surge down the stretch could see Wembanyama become the Spurs’ first MVP since Tim Duncan in 2003.

Other players receiving votes include Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is positioned to potentially become the seventh player this century to win back-to-back MVP awards, joining Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Tim Duncan.

As of Monday morning, Gilgeous-Alexander has missed nine games, whereas Jokic has missed sixteen. Wembanyama has missed fourteen games.

Wembanyama’s Rising Stock

Victor Wembanyama’s candidacy has gained momentum with both his return to health and the San Antonio Spurs’ impressive winning streak. The Spurs have won seven consecutive games, improving to 39-16.

Wembanyama is currently averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.

Eligibility and Game Limits

To be eligible for the MVP award, a player must participate in at least 65 games. This requirement looms large, particularly for Gilgeous-Alexander who is currently dealing with an abdominal injury.

Other Storylines

• Three teams – Oklahoma City, Detroit, and San Antonio – are vying for home-court advantage in the NBA Finals.
• Nine teams are reportedly focused on increasing their chances of securing a high draft pick.