Nikola Jokic Finishes Second in MVP Voting Behind Gilgeous-Alexander

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic finished second in the NBA’s Most Valuable Player voting for the 2025-26 season, as Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secured the award for the second consecutive year. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s win came as little surprise given Oklahoma City’s league-best record, Jokic’s strong placement reaffirmed his continued dominance among the NBA’s elite.

The MVP race throughout the season was widely expected to center on Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio Spurs rising star Victor Wembanyama. However, when the final results were announced, Jokic had separated himself clearly from the young Spurs center to claim the runner-up position.

Jokic’s finish continues a remarkable run of consistency in MVP voting. The Nuggets star has now placed in the top two of the award for six straight seasons, an achievement that underscores both his individual excellence and sustained impact on Denver’s success.

While Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately secured the top honor, the final voting reflected a league filled with high-level performances across multiple teams. Jokic, Wembanyama, and several other stars delivered standout seasons that shaped one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory.

1. Jokic’s Historic Consistency Continues

Jokic’s second-place finish further strengthens his reputation as one of the most consistent superstars in NBA history. A three-time MVP and seven-time All-NBA selection, the 31-year-old center has remained at the center of league-wide discussions for nearly a decade. This season marked yet another statistical masterpiece for Jokic, who averaged a triple-double while leading Denver’s offense. He posted 27.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, continuing to redefine what is expected from a modern center in today’s NBA. His ability to control games through passing, scoring, and rebounding once again placed him among the league’s most impactful players. Even in seasons without an MVP award, Jokic consistently delivers performances that keep him in the upper tier of voting and firmly in championship conversations. The latest result also highlights how voters continue to recognize his long-term dominance. Finishing in the top two for six consecutive seasons is a rare feat in NBA history, reinforcing his status as one of the defining players of his generation.

2. Gilgeous-Alexander Wins as Thunder Rise

While Jokic delivered another elite campaign, the MVP award went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led Oklahoma City to the best record in the NBA. His combination of scoring, efficiency, and leadership helped the Thunder emerge as one of the league’s most complete teams. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game while shooting 55.3 percent from the field, both career-best marks. He also contributed 6.6 assists per game, showcasing significant growth as a playmaker alongside his established scoring ability. Oklahoma City’s success played a major role in the final outcome of the MVP race. The Thunder consistently performed at a high level throughout the season, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s steady production became the foundation of their rise to the top of the standings. His back-to-back MVP awards place him in rare company among modern NBA stars and further solidify his status as one of the league’s premier players. With Oklahoma City positioned as a top contender, his individual success now aligns with the team’s championship aspirations.

3. Wembanyama and Others Round Out Top Five

Victor Wembanyama finished third in MVP voting, completing a strong season that confirmed his rapid rise into superstardom. The San Antonio Spurs center played a major role in pushing his team into contention while showcasing elite defensive and offensive versatility. Wembanyama’s emergence was one of the season’s defining storylines, as many expected him to challenge Gilgeous-Alexander directly for the MVP award. While he ultimately finished behind both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, his third-place result signaled the beginning of what many believe will be a long MVP-caliber career. Behind the top three, several established stars also received recognition for strong seasons. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic finished fourth after another high-level offensive campaign that reinforced his status as one of the league’s premier scorers and playmakers. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham placed fifth following a breakout season that helped elevate his team back into relevance, while Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown rounded out the top six after another consistent year for one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.