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 aiming to secure back-to-back wins, while Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP title. Wembanyama, also a contender for the defensive player of the year award, is hoping to claim his first MVP.
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. 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.