Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic Compete for NBA MVP Glory
Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic have been named the finalists for this year’s NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, marking a significant moment in league history. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the MVP will be an international player. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP from the Oklahoma City Thunder, aims for a back-to-back title, while Nikola Jokic, representing Denver Nuggets, seeks to clinch the award for an impressive fourth time. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama, also nominated for the Defensive Player of the Year award, aspires for his first MVP. The trend of international MVPs began in 2019 and 2020 with Giannis Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee Bucks, who has Greek and Nigerian heritage. Jokic, a Serbian player, has won the award in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and later became a U.S. citizen, took home the award in 2023, followed by Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian, who won it last year. In related news, Victor Wembanyama made an impressive playoff debut this season, scoring 35 points to set a franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs during their victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing 111-98 in game one of the playoffs.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-20