As the 2024-2025 NBA regular season nears its conclusion, the race for the Most Valuable Player award has been a captivating narrative, primarily spotlighting two exceptional talents: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets. Both players have delivered outstanding performances, each making a compelling case for the league’s highest individual honor.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in the Thunder’s remarkable turnaround this season. Averaging 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, he has showcased his versatility on both ends of the court. His efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 54.7%. Under his leadership, Oklahoma City has achieved a 38-17 record, positioning them second in the Western Conference.
Throughout the season, Gilgeous-Alexander has delivered several standout performances. On November 11, 2024, he scored a then-career-high 45 points against the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing significantly to a 134–128 victory. He matched this feat on December 26, 2024, with another 45-point game against the Indiana Pacers. His consistent excellence earned him Player of the Month honors for November and December. Notably, on January 2, 2025, he led the Thunder to their 13th consecutive win, setting a new franchise record for the Oklahoma City era.
Nikola Jokić
Jokić, a three-time MVP, continues to redefine the center position with his exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. This season, he is averaging 26.0 points, 12.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, with a field goal percentage of 58.2%. His leadership has guided the Nuggets to a 37-19 record, placing them fourth in the Western Conference.
Several historic achievements have highlighted Jokić’s season. On December 6, 2024, he recorded his 139th career triple-double with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, surpassing Magic Johnson for the third-most triple-doubles in NBA history. The following day, he scored a career-high 56 points against the Washington Wizards. Additionally, on January 1, 2025, Jokić became the first player to achieve a 20-15-15 stat line in under 30 minutes, recording 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists against the Atlanta Hawks. Jokić also posted a record-breaking stat line on April 2, 2025, where he had 60 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, making that the highest scoring triple-double in NBA history.
Statistical Comparison and MVP Considerations
When comparing their statistical contributions, both players exhibit exceptional performances. Gilgeous-Alexander leads in scoring and steals, underscoring his offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Jokić, on the other hand, excels in rebounds and assists, highlighting his role as a facilitator and dominant presence in the paint.
Advanced metrics further show their impact. Jokić holds an edge in Player Efficiency Rating and Win Shares, reflecting his comprehensive contributions to the Nuggets’ success. Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive Box Plus-Minus and Value Over Replacement Player figures attest to his significant influence on the Thunder’s performance.
The MVP Race: A Tight Contest
As the season progresses, the MVP race remains highly competitive. Gilgeous-Alexander’s emergence as a leading candidate is bolstered by the Thunder’s impressive record and his accolades. Conversely, Jokić’s consistent excellence and record-setting performances keep him firmly in contention.
Recent MVP rankings place Jokić at the forefront, with Gilgeous-Alexander closely trailing. This assessment reflects the tight nature of the race and the exceptional seasons both players are having.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 NBA season has showcased the remarkable talents of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, both of whom have delivered MVP-caliber performances. As the regular season draws to a close, the basketball community eagerly awaits the final decision, recognizing that both players have made indelible marks on the league this year.