NBA MVP finalists: Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic and Wembanyama
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama are finalists for the NBA MVP award, continuing an eight-year streak of international players winning the honor.
- Wembanyama is also a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, an award he is widely expected to win, alongside Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson.
- Other award finalists include Anthony Edwards, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jamal Murray for Clutch Player of the Year; Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Deni Avdija, and Jalen Duren for Most Improved Player; and Tim Hardaway Jr., Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Keldon Johnson for Sixth Man of the Year.
- Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham won appeals to be on award ballots despite not meeting the 65-game rule, but Doncic did not make the top three for MVP.
- The NBA will announce winners starting Monday, with Defensive Player of the Year first, followed by Clutch Player and Sixth Man of the Year later in the week.
