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

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2024-25 NBA Most Valuable Player award, edging out Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who finished second in the voting. Gilgeous-Alexander, who became the second Canadian MVP after Steve Nash, led the league with 32.7 points per game and helped the Oklahoma City Thunder achieve a league-best 68 wins, including a playoff series victory over Jokic's Nuggets. Jokic, a three-time MVP winner, achieved his fifth consecutive top-two MVP finish, joining legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird in this rare accomplishment, while averaging a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. The MVP voting reflected the Thunder's superior regular-season performance and Gilgeous-Alexander's impactful play on both offense and defense, including leading the NBA in steals and blocks. This marks the seventh straight year that a player born outside the United States has won the MVP award, highlighting the increasing international prominence in the league. Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's controversial playing style, his season-long excellence and team success earned him a clear victory in the MVP race.