Winning the 2025 MVP for SGA: Voter Weariness, Playoff Performances, and Additional Factors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stole the show as the 2024-25 NBA MVP, a highly controversial and nail-biting decision that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. This season's MVP race was an exhilarating, hotly contested battle between Shai and Nikola Jokic, and it went down to the wire, wrapping up the final prize of the season.
So, what tipped the scale in Shai's favor over Jokic? Let's examine a few key factors that likely influenced the MVP voting results.
The Real Significance of "Most Valuable"
Make no mistake - this year's MVP race boiled down to two heavyweights, with Shai and Jokic both putting up eye-popping numbers. However, the roles they played on their respective teams couldn't have been more different – and yet they led their teams to remarkable heights. Shai piloted the Thunder to the top spot in the Western Conference, with the team recording a stellar +16.4 net rating when Shai stepped on the court. In stark contrast, Jokic and the Nuggets managed a +9.3 net rating when he was on the court, a rating that pales in comparison to the Thunder's performance when Shai wasn't on the court.
The question then becomes: Which player is more crucial for taking their team from "Good to Great"? Many voters likely considered Shai's impact on the Thunder as the game-changing factor that ultimately won him the MVP award.
The Western Conference Semi-Finals – or, How the Competition Heated Up
Usually, the MVP award is handed out around the middle of the playoffs. This season, however, events unfolded slightly differently - and the dramatic conclusion to the Western Conference Semi-Finals surely played a part. As expected, OKC dominated the Nuggets, taking them down in just five games.
With OKC's impressive display in the Semi-Finals, it became apparent that Jokic would likely miss out on the MVP award, despite the award being solely based on regular-season performance. We've never seen a more fiercely divided MVP race, and some fans speculated that the NBA might have been playing the long game, engineering the competition to crown a new "Face of the League."
Unveiling the New "Face of the NBA"
As legends like LeBron, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry start to break away from the spotlight, the NBA is keeping a keen eye out for the new faces who can fill their shoes. Unfortunately for Jokic, his off-court antics and reputation as a hard-partying sportsman may not sit well with NBA brass. But fear not – none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to step into the limelight.
Shai's charisma, athleticism and knack for teamwork make him the perfect poster boy, and the fact that he hails from North America as opposed to Europe is an attractive bonus for the league. This shift in the superstar landscape opens up a world of opportunity for promising young players vying for the chance to cement their place as the next big thing in basketball.
Shaking Things Up for the 2026 Season
Predicting the MVP for next year's season is as uncertain as ever. However, we can make some educated guesses based on factors such as voter fatigue, recency bias, and a few other intangibles. Here are our top picks for the 2026 MVP:
- Luka Doncic
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Victor Wembanyama
- Nikola Jokic
- Jayson Tatum
Who do you think will clinch the MVP next season?
NBA MVP Betting for 2025-26
With the 2025 Playoffs heating up and the NBA Finals shaping up to be unforgettable, now is the perfect time to place those 2025 NBA Championship outright wagers[4]. As soon as this season concludes, keep an eye out for the early bird odds for next year's MVP awards – the value will be juicy and irresistible[4].
As the season progresses and the markets adjust, pay close attention: you'll find plenty of opportunities to score big with your MVP bets. And remember to follow our tips for securing the best value and catching awesome promos and betting bonuses along the way[4].
@ourwebsite is the place to be for all the latest NBA MVP updates and insights, so stay tuned!
Article Enrichment:
- Detailed Player Statistics: For a more comprehensive review of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's and Nikola Jokic's stats, check out Basketball-Reference[1] and StatMuse[3].
- Team Performance and Coaching: Benjamin Haynes' piece on Fansided offers a closer look at how coaching played a key role in the Thunder's success, underscoring the importance of Shai's fit with the team's vision[2].
- Media and Fan Perception: For a broader perspective on the MVP race, including insights on the voting pattern and fan sentiment, visit Sporting News[5].
[1] https://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/psl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=career&type=per_game&per_minute_base=36&per_poss_base=100&season_start=1&season_end=-1&lg_id=NBA&age_min=0&age_max=99&is_playoffs=N&height_min=0&height_max=99&birthdate_ restrictions=Exactly+1998-05-28&season_seg=3&c1stat=pts&c1comp=gt&c1val=315&sort=ws&lg_id=NBA&c5val=2024-25
[2] https://thunderousintentions.com/2025/06/01/shai-gilgeous-alexander-the-mvp-is-the-new-face-of-the-nba/
[3] https://statmuse.com/basketball/player/Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander
[4] https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10057188-nba-betting-early-bird-odds-who-are-the-top-2025-26-mvp-candidates
[5] https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-mvp-vote-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nikola-jokic-2025/18z2g0fkblj1w1skeb9e2q094j
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive performance throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, particularly his impact on the Thunder's net rating, likely played a significant role in his MVP award win over Nikola Jokic. In the Western Conference Semi-Finals, the Thunder's dominance against the Nuggets further underscored Shai's value to his team. As a result, Shai was viewed as the new "Face of the NBA," surpassing Jokic in the league's hierarchy.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NBA season, top contenders for the MVP award include Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, and Jayson Tatum. Fans and betting enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor the MVP odds closely as the markets adjust to ensure they don't miss out on potential opportunities for a big win.
