Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds a narrow lead over Nikola Jokic in ESPN’s latest NBA MVP straw poll, marking the third consecutive time the Oklahoma City Thunder guard has topped the voting. The poll of 100 media members was conducted Monday and Tuesday.
Gilgeous-Alexander received 57 first-place votes and 865 total points, while Jokic garnered 42 first-place votes and 822 points. Luka Doncic finished third with 432 points, followed by Cade Cunningham (271 points) and Jalen Brunson (106 points).
The Thunder own the NBA’s best record and a historic net rating of plus-16.9 points per 100 possessions, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ mark of plus-13.4. Oklahoma City’s dominance has fueled comparisons to the only two teams to eclipse 70 wins in NBA history.
“If we get better than what we are now, that should take care of itself,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after a recent loss. “Goals, to me, are pointless [when you’re] trying to reach them when they are so far away.”
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in just 33.0 minutes per game. He is defending his 2025 MVP award as the Thunder chase their first repeat championship in seven years.
Jokic continues his historic run, leading the league in rebounds (12.3) and assists (10.9) while averaging 29.6 points. The Denver Nuggets center has finished first or second in MVP voting for five consecutive seasons.
The Nuggets have improved significantly with Jokic off the court this season, posting a minus-1.2 rating compared to minus-9.3 last year. Jamal Murray’s career-best start has helped bolster Denver’s depth concerns.
Full Voting Results
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 865 points (57 first-place votes)
2. Nikola Jokic: 822 points (42 first-place votes)
3. Luka Doncic: 432 points (1 first-place vote)
4. Cade Cunningham: 271 points (0 first-place votes)
5. Jalen Brunson: 106 points (0 first-place votes)
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 32 points (0 first-place votes)
7. Tyrese Maxey: 25 points (0 first-place votes)
8. Victor Wembanyama: 18 points (0 first-place votes)
9. Jaylen Brown: 15 points (0 first-place votes)
10. Donovan Mitchell: 6 points (0 first-place votes)
11. Anthony Edwards: 5 points (0 first-place votes)
12. Stephen Curry: 1 point (0 first-place votes)
13. Alperen Sengun: 1 point (0 first-place votes)
14. Jalen Johnson: 1 point (0 first-place votes)