Who Is the Real MVP of the 2025 NBA Season? Breaking Down the Top Contenders

By Edcel Panganiban June 17, 2025 09:35

The 2025 NBA season has produced a thrilling MVP race, with three standout finalists Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo each making compelling cases for the league’s most prestigious individual honor. As the NBA Awards approach, the debate intensifies: who is the real MVP of 2025?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Scoring Machine Leading the Best Record

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has been nothing short of spectacular for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast the best record in the league at 51-11. Averaging a league-leading 32.8 points per game, along with 6.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds, SGA has elevated the Thunder into legitimate title contenders. His shooting efficiency 52.6% from the field and nearly 38% from three complements his ability to carry a team offensively.

NBA.com’s MVP Ladder recently placed SGA near the top, reflecting his dominance and OKC’s success. ESPN’s analysis highlights, “Gilgeous-Alexander’s combination of scoring and playmaking has transformed the Thunder into the Western Conference’s top seed, making him the clear favorite in many eyes.” His leadership and consistency have been pivotal in OKC’s rise, and his first MVP award would be a historic achievement for the franchise.

Nikola Jokić: The Triple-Double Machine and Three-Time MVP

Nikola Jokić remains a perennial MVP candidate, chasing his fourth award in five years. The Denver Nuggets’ star posted another remarkable season, averaging 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game only the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. Jokić’s efficiency is elite, shooting 57.6% from the field and nearly 44% from three-point range.

Despite Denver’s 40-22 record, which ranks below OKC’s, Jokić’s all-around impact is undeniable. His ability to control the game as a center with playmaking skills is unparalleled. Pundits note, “Jokić’s unique skill set and consistent excellence keep him in the MVP conversation, even if his team’s record is not the best.” His clutch performances and leadership remain invaluable for Denver’s playoff aspirations.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak’s Consistent Dominance

Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, rounds out the finalists with a season averaging 30.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. The Milwaukee Bucks finished 36-25, a solid but not spectacular record. Giannis’s physical dominance and defensive prowess continue to make him one of the league’s most impactful players.

While his shooting percentages dipped slightly, his ability to influence both ends of the floor keeps him in the MVP mix. Analysts observe, “Giannis remains a force, but the Bucks’ middling record and his less efficient shooting have pushed him behind Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić in many MVP projections.” Still, his leadership and past accolades ensure he remains a top contender.

The Verdict: Balancing Individual Excellence and Team Success

The MVP debate often boils down to weighing individual brilliance against team success. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s role in leading the league’s best record gives him a strong edge, while Jokić’s historic triple-double season and all-around dominance make a powerful case. Giannis’s consistent elite play and defensive impact keep him relevant but slightly behind the other two in this race.

NBA.com’s MVP Ladder currently places Jokić at No. 1, with LeBron James and others trailing, but SGA’s momentum and OKC’s record make the race dynamic and unpredictable. As the awards ceremony nears, expect a close vote that reflects the incredible seasons these stars have delivered.

The 2025 NBA MVP race is a showcase of extraordinary talent and leadership. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess and team success, Nikola Jokić’s historic all-around performance, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentless dominance each tell a compelling story. Whichever way the vote goes, the league has witnessed a season defined by remarkable individual achievement and thrilling competition.