Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins 2024-25 NBA MVP Over Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, marking the seventh time an international player has earned this honor and making him the second Canadian MVP after Steve Nash. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game and secured 71 first-place votes, surpassing Nikola Jokic who was runner-up, and Giannis Antetokounmpo who finished third in the voting. Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, had a strong individual season and was praised for his leadership growth, but the Bucks' early playoff exit and lack of home-court advantage hindered his MVP chances. Despite his surprise and mild disbelief on social media regarding the MVP outcome, Antetokounmpo is expected to remain a dominant figure in the league and is motivated to improve further. The Bucks aimed for a title push with trades but fell short, highlighting the challenges ahead for Antetokounmpo and the team. Looking forward, the continued presence of international stars like Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo, along with emerging talents, signals a future where international players dominate the MVP race.