Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic Shortlisted for NBA MVP Award

The finalists for the NBA's 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 will be awarded to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is looking to win the award for the second time in a row, while Jokic is aiming for his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, who has also been nominated 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, and Joel Embiid's win in 2023. Last year, Gilgeous-Alexander took home the award. Meanwhile, Wembanyama has been making waves in his debut playoff season, scoring a record-breaking 35 points in his first playoff game as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.