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 award will go to an international player. Gilgeous-Alexander, the current MVP, is looking to secure back-to-back wins, while Jokic is aiming for 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 took the award in 2023, and Gilgeous-Alexander won last year. Wembanyama made a notable debut in the playoffs this season, scoring a franchise-record 35 points in his first playoff game as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.