Overview
- The NBA announced finalists for all major 2025–26 awards, confirming a three-player MVP ballot of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama.
- Nikola Jokic averaged a triple-double and became the first player to lead a season in both rebounds and assists per game, strengthening his case for a fourth MVP.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered Oklahoma City to the league’s best record and posted 31.1 points and 6.6 assists per game.
- Victor Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks and top defensive metrics, making him a leading Defensive Player of the Year contender while also an MVP finalist.
- The league will announce winners across Defensive Player, Clutch, Sixth Man, Sportsmanship and Most Improved this week, and coaches selecting the Clutch award allowed Anthony Edwards to be a finalist despite not meeting the 65-game minimum used for other honors.