The finalists for the NBA Most Valuable Player award have been announced, with Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic making the cut. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the MVP award will be given to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, is looking to secure back-to-back wins, while Jokic aims to claim his fourth MVP title.
Wembanyama, also a contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award, is seeking his first MVP win. The streak of international MVPs began in 2019 and 2020 with Giannis Antetokounmpo, followed by Jokic's wins in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Joel Embiid won the award in 2023, and Gilgeous-Alexander took the title last year.
Meanwhile, young sensation Wembanyama made a remarkable playoff debut, scoring 35 points and setting a franchise record for the San Antonio Spurs. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue to unfold, with the Toronto Raptors facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sky Sports+.