Tue May 06 02:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander: MVP Race Takes Backseat to Western Conference Showdown

Denver, CO – The NBA playoffs have arrived, and with them, a renewed focus on the highly anticipated second-round matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the regular season saw a captivating MVP race between the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both players have downplayed the award’s significance as the postseason begins.

Jokic, a three-time MVP, delivered a historically dominant season, averaging a near triple-double with unprecedented statistical achievements. He ranked among the league’s top three in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, while also boasting a top-20 three-point percentage – a feat never before accomplished. Despite his remarkable performance, Jokic has remained characteristically nonchalant about the award, stating that if his best-ever season isn’t enough to win, then Gilgeous-Alexander deserves it.

Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, also had a season for the ages, leading the league in scoring and showcasing All-NBA caliber defense while leading the youngest team in NBA history to a record-breaking number of wins. While acknowledging the prestige of the MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently emphasized team success as his primary goal.

The MVP debate briefly intensified when the Nuggets and Thunder played back-to-back games in March, each star showcasing their dominance. However, both players have since shifted their focus to the playoffs, with surrogates like Nuggets player Christian Braun and former coach Michael Malone stepping up to champion Jokic’s case. Thunder center Chet Holmgren even voiced his support for Gilgeous-Alexander on social media earlier in the season.

The MVP award will be announced during the second round of the playoffs, forcing both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander to briefly address the accolade amidst the intense playoff pressure. Both players have made it clear that winning the series is their primary objective, rendering the MVP race a secondary concern. This highly anticipated clash will not only determine who advances in the playoffs but will also potentially provide a fitting end to one of the most compelling MVP races in recent NBA history.

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