You know that feeling when a superstar just... arrives? That's what we all watched happen last year. If you’re asking who won mvp nba for the 2024-25 season, the answer is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He didn't just win it; he basically took the trophy by force from the era of big men like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Honestly, it’s about time.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard pulled off something we haven't seen in a minute. He led the youngest team in the league to a ridiculous 68-14 record. He averaged 32.7 points per game. That’s not just "good for a guard"—it's historic. He shot nearly 52% from the field while doing it. Most guys shooting that much see their efficiency tank, but Shai? He was surgical.
The Night Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Took the Crown
The official announcement came down on May 21, 2025. It was kind of a tense day in the NBA world. We all knew it was a two-horse race between Shai and Nikola Jokić. The "Joker" was trying to add a fourth MVP to his shelf, which would have put him in the stratosphere of Kareem and MJ.
But the voters went a different way. Shai snagged 71 out of the 100 first-place votes. Jokić got the other 29. It wasn't exactly a blowout, but it was a clear statement. The league was ready for a new protagonist.
✨ Don't miss: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
Shai became only the second Canadian to ever win the award, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash. When he spoke after the announcement, he sounded surprisingly chill. He mentioned how he tries not to think about it during the season, but as a kid dreaming about the game, it’s always "in the back of your mind."
How the Voting Broke Down
It’s actually pretty wild how close the rest of the pack was. While Shai and Jokić were in a tier of their own, the "Best of the Rest" featured some familiar faces and a few surprises:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third. He’s still a beast, but the Bucks' consistency issues hurt his case.
- Jayson Tatum landed in fourth. Winning counts, and Tatum wins a lot, but he didn't have the "carrying the load" narrative Shai had.
- Donovan Mitchell and Cade Cunningham even popped up on the ballots. Seeing Cade’s name there was a huge nod to the leap the Pistons finally took.
Why Shai Won the 2025 MVP (The Real Reason)
Numbers are one thing. You can look at 32.7 points and 6.4 assists and say, "Yeah, that’s an MVP." But the real reason who won mvp nba shifted to Shai was the "youngest team" factor.
The Thunder were supposed to be "a year away." They were supposed to be too small. Instead, Shai turned them into a defensive juggernaut. He averaged 1.7 steals and a block per game as a guard. That’s elite. He wasn't just a bucket-getter; he was a two-way nightmare.
🔗 Read more: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Plus, he broke an NBA record by scoring 20 or more points in 72 straight games. Think about the discipline that takes. No off nights. No "I'm tired because it’s a back-to-back in Charlotte" excuses. Just pure, relentless production.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Every time Shai does something great, Clippers fans have to look away. Back in 2019, OKC traded Paul George for Shai and a mountain of picks. At the time, people thought it was a win-win. Now? It looks like one of the most lopsided trades in sports history. Shai is 27 now, in his prime, and he’s already the third player in Thunder history to win the MVP, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
What’s Happening Right Now in 2026?
If you're looking at the current 2025-26 season, the race is heating up again. As of January 2026, the MVP Ladder is looking a little different.
Nikola Jokić is actually sitting at the top of the leaderboard right now, despite a recent knee injury that's kept him out for a few games. He’s averaging nearly a 30-point triple-double. It’s absurd. Shai is right behind him at number two, trying to become the first back-to-back winner since Jokić himself.
💡 You might also like: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
But there are some new names crashing the party. Jaylen Brown is having a career year in Boston. Luka Dončić is... well, he's Luka, putting up video game numbers for a Lakers team that finally looks competent. And keep an eye on Victor Wembanyama. The kid is fifth on the ladder already. The "Wemby Era" is coming faster than we thought.
The 65-Game Rule
One thing to remember: the NBA’s 65-game rule is still a massive factor. If a player doesn't hit that mark, they are ineligible for the MVP. Jokić has already missed some time with that hyperextended knee. If he misses more than 17 games total, he’s out of the running. This opens the door for Shai to potentially repeat.
Actionable Takeaways for NBA Fans
If you're following the MVP race or just getting back into the league, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Watch the "Games Played" Column: With the 65-game rule, a minor injury in January can end an MVP campaign by March.
- Don't Ignore Defense: The voters are shifting. High scoring isn't enough anymore. You need to be a "two-way" player, which is why Shai beat Jokić last year.
- Track the "Clutch" Stats: Guys like Shai and Cade Cunningham are gaining massive ground because they perform when the game is on the line.
- Follow the Records: The MVP almost always comes from a top-three seed. If a superstar’s team is in the Play-In tournament, they probably aren't winning the trophy, no matter how many points they score.
The era of the "Big Three" dominant centers is being challenged by elite, two-way guards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the proof. Whether he can hold off a healthy Jokić or a surging Wembanyama this year is the biggest story in basketball right now.
To stay updated on the race, you should check the official NBA MVP Ladder which is updated every Friday. It's the most reliable way to see how the media's "vibe" is shifting before the actual ballots are cast in April.