2025 NBA Awards: MVP and Finalists Revealed

April 20, 2025 — Tim Bontemps (ESPN)

The NBA has announced the finalists for all major 2025 awards, with MVP leaders

Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlining the list.

MVP Finalists: Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, Antetokounmpo

• Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets):
  29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists per game (triple-double season).
  Chasing his 4th MVP in 5 years.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder):
  NBA scoring leader (32.7 points per game).
  Led Thunder to franchise-best 68 wins.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks):
  7th straight top-four MVP finish.

Defensive Player of the Year Finalists

• Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)

• Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)

• Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)

(Victor Wembanyama was expected to contend but became ineligible due to DVT.)

Most Improved Player Finalists

• Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)

• Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers)

• Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)

Rookie of the Year Finalists

• Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks)

• Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)

• Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)

Sixth Man of the Year Finalists

• Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics)

• Ty Jerome (Cleveland Cavaliers)

• Malik Beasley (Detroit Pistons)

Coach of the Year Finalists

• Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers)

• J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons)

• Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)

Clutch Player of the Year Finalists

• Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

• Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)

What’s Next for 2025 NBA Awards

The NBA will announce winners over the coming weeks, along with All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Rookie teams.
The MVP and Coach of the Year races are historic, with Jokic seeking Larry Bird-level dominance and two Cavaliers-connected coaches in contention.