Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo were named the three finalists for the NBA’s 2025 Most Valuable Player award.
The league also announced three-player shortlists for six other regular-season awards after voting by broadcasters and writers.
MVP race features three dominant seasons
Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists, becoming only the third player to average a triple-double across a season.
Gilgeous-Alexander won the scoring title at 32.7 points per game and led Oklahoma City to an NBA-best 68 wins.
Antetokounmpo completed the shortlist after averaging 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds for Milwaukee.
Defence and rookie awards take shape
Dyson Daniels, Draymond Green and Evan Mobley were selected as Defensive Player of the Year finalists.
Stephon Castle, Zaccharie Risacher and Jaylen Wells made the final three for Rookie of the Year.
Daniels also joined Cade Cunningham and Ivica Zubac on the Most Improved Player shortlist.
Brunson, Pritchard and Atkinson among finalists
Malik Beasley, Ty Jerome and Payton Pritchard contested Sixth Man of the Year.
Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards and Jokic were the Clutch Player finalists, while Kenny Atkinson, J.B. Bickerstaff and Ime Udoka completed the coaching shortlist.
Jokic and Daniels were the only players nominated in two categories. The NBA planned to reveal the winners throughout the playoffs, followed by its All-NBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams.
