The NBA MVP race for 2025 has reached a fever pitch, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, the presumed top two candidates, facing off in a thrilling Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets on May 18, 2025. As the NBA MVP announcement remains delayed, sparking debates, their playoff performances are under scrutiny.
This article dives into the NBA MVP race, analyzes Game 7’s impact, and explores why the delay matters, offering fans a deep look at a historic moment in basketball.
Background: A Tight MVP Race Amid Playoff Drama
The NBA MVP race has been a two-man showdown between Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) and Jokić (Nuggets), with Giannis Antetokounmpo as a distant third, per ESPN.com. Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, led OKC to the West’s best record, making him the slight favorite, per @ESPNNBA.
Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP, posted a historic 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, nearly averaging a triple-double, per ESPN.com. The Bucks’ early playoff exit dimmed Giannis’ chances, per @BinaryAI_TON.
The NBA MVP narrative has been heightened by the Thunder-Nuggets series, which is tied 3-3 going into Game 7. According to YahooSports.com, Jokić’s ineffective 33.3% shooting across three games contrasted with OKC’s 112-105 Game 5 comeback, which was spearheaded by a layup from Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I liked when they would announce MVP during the 1st rd!” tweeted Isaiah Thomas in response to the NBA’s delay in announcing the NBA MVP, which was decided on April 15. SI.com asks, “What’s the hold-up now?” According to ftw.usatoday.com, there is speculation that the league is waiting for Game 7 to maximize drama.
Game 7 Recap: SGA Shines, Jokić Struggles
In Game 7, Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34 points and clutch play powered OKC to a 108-101 victory, advancing them to the Western Conference Finals, per USAToday.com. Jokić, despite a 27-point, 15-rebound effort, shot 10-for-25, continuing his series-long 40% field goal slump, per ESPN.com. The Thunder’s fourth-quarter rally, erasing a 12-point deficit, showcased Gilgeous-Alexander’s NBA MVP candidacy, with a 75% clutch-time scoring rate, per YahooSports.com.
According to ESPN.com, Jokić’s difficulties—more turnovers than assists during the series—marked a remarkable decline for the NBA MVP front-runner. According to FBref, Denver’s offense was hampered by OKC’s defensive improvements, which were spearheaded by Luguentz Dort’s 2.8 thefts per game.
Posts on X, such as those by @qwiket_nba, pointed out that the timing of the NBA MVP announcement would overshadow the loser’s departure, increasing pressure on the league to make a decision.
Tactical Insights and MVP Voting Debate
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 heroics bolstered his NBA MVP case. His 4.2 shot-creating actions per game and 71% pass accuracy outshone Jokić’s 10.2 assists but higher turnover rate, per ESPN.com. OKC’s top seed and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership in a 57-win season align with voter preferences for team success, per @BinaryAI_TON. Jokić’s historic stats, including top-three rankings in points, rebounds, and assists, make him a strong contender for a fourth NBA MVP, joining legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, per SI.com.
There is controversy around the NBA MVP’s announcement delay. According to SI.com, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports contended that if Gilgeous-Alexander prevails after elimination, it might lead to an unpleasant moment, given Dirk Nowitzki’s 2007 example.
According to SI.com, Ja Morant’s infrequent remark about the race, in which he praised Jokić for his steadiness, highlights how close the race is. According to ftw.usatoday.com, the NBA’s approach runs the danger of offending fans, even though it may be intended to highlight the MVP duel in Game 7.
Why the NBA MVP Race Matters
The NBA MVP race, culminating in Game 7, is a defining moment for 2025. Gilgeous-Alexander’s win strengthens his case as a new superstar, while Jokić’s loss doesn’t diminish his historic season, per ESPN.com. The conference finals, with OKC facing the Timberwolves and Indiana vs. Boston, set the stage for further MVP-level performances, per USAToday.com.
For fans, the drama of the NBA MVP announcement, expected soon on TNT, adds intrigue to a playoff season already rich with upsets, per YahooSports.com. As the NBA navigates its award timing, this race underscores basketball’s global appeal.
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Fresh Khaber was founded by Abdul Basit, a passionate sports enthusiast with a deep interest in covering the latest developments in the sports world. Abdul is committed to delivering insightful, well-researched content that is accessible to fans, athletes, and readers globally. With a focus on accuracy and clarity, he leads Fresh Khaber in providing reliable news and updates to a dedicated audience.