Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has widened his lead in the NBA MVP race, according to ESPN’s second straw poll of the 2025-26 season. Despite battling an abdominal injury, SGA remains the frontrunner, earning 78 first-place votes and appearing on all 100 ballots.
SGA Extends MVP Lead
The reigning MVP is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists while shooting an impressive 55.4% from the field. Even though the Thunder cooled off after their 24-1 start, Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance has kept him atop the race.
Jokic Still in the Hunt
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic sits in second place with 18 first-place votes. His numbers remain elite — 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game — but a bone bruise sidelined him for nearly a month, tightening his margin for error under the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule.
Wembanyama Rising Fast
San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama surged from eighth to fourth in the poll, collecting three first-place votes. Averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and a league-best 2.7 blocks, the 21-year-old could make a late push if he stays healthy and the Spurs climb the standings.
Other Contenders Facing Challenges
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) jumped to third, powering Detroit’s surprising run to the top of the East.
- Luka Doncic (Lakers) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) risk falling short of eligibility due to missed games.
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics) climbed to sixth, stepping up in Jayson Tatum’s absence.
- Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey rounded out the top ten.
Injuries Shaping the MVP Race
With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry nearing ineligibility, the MVP race has become as much about durability as dominance. For now, Gilgeous-Alexander remains in control, but the battle is far from over.
