It's widely assumed that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will win NBA MVP, but he isn't the most deserving candidate. That honor belongs to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić. In 2024-25,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant, putting together his best playoff performance yet, in the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 2 victory. The team had the game decided by halftime, but the MVP finalist played through three quarters to ensure the Denver Nuggets weren't going to mount a comeback.

Denver Nuggets MVP candidate Nikola Jokić spoke about the skills of fellow contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ahead of Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs.