Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander Headlines a Rare Duel
This year’s Western Conference semifinals between the Nuggets and Thunder brings something special: an MVP rivalry playing out in real time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are the top two finishers in the 2025 MVP race — and now, they’re facing off on the biggest stage.
Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC to a league-best 68–14 record, averaging 32.7 points per game with elite defense. Jokic posted career highs in points (29.6), rebounds (12.7), and assists (10.2) while shooting 41.7% from three. It’s an all-time matchup — and just the eighth of its kind since 1990.
Here’s a look at every past playoff series featuring the top two MVP vote-getters — and who came out on top.
2017 – Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden
MVP: Westbrook (Thunder)
Runner-up: Harden (Rockets)
Series: Rockets win 4–1
Despite Westbrook averaging a triple-double, it was Harden who advanced. Westbrook had 37.4 PPG in the series, but Houston’s depth carried them through.
2015 – Stephen Curry vs. James Harden
MVP: Curry (Warriors)
Runner-up: Harden (Rockets)
Series: Warriors win 4–1
Curry’s record-breaking three-point season continued into the playoffs, and the Warriors coasted to the Finals after five games against Harden and the Rockets.
2012 – LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant
MVP: James (Heat)
Runner-up: Durant (Thunder)
Series: Heat win 4–1
Durant scored over 30 per game, but LeBron’s near triple-double averages led Miami to its first title of the Big Three era.
1998 – Michael Jordan vs. Karl Malone
MVP: Jordan (Bulls)
Runner-up: Malone (Jazz)
Series: Bulls win 4–2
Jordan capped his MVP season with a title and an iconic Game 6 winner in Utah, finishing the series with 28.7 points per game.
1997 – Karl Malone vs. Michael Jordan
MVP: Malone (Jazz)
Runner-up: Jordan (Bulls)
Series: Bulls win 4–2
Malone edged Jordan for the MVP, but Jordan responded by averaging 32.3 PPG in the Finals and leading Chicago to another championship.
1992 – Michael Jordan vs. Clyde Drexler
MVP: Jordan (Bulls)
Runner-up: Drexler (Trail Blazers)
Series: Bulls win 4–2
Jordan delivered a masterclass, highlighted by a legendary first-half outburst in Game 1. He averaged 35.8 PPG across the series.
1991 – Michael Jordan vs. Magic Johnson
MVP: Jordan (Bulls)
Runner-up: Johnson (Lakers)
Series: Bulls win 4–1
Jordan’s dominance continued as he won his first title, averaging 31.2 points and 11.4 assists to outpace Magic and the Lakers.
What History Tells Us in 2025
In these elite MVP duels, the MVP winner has gone 5–2 in series play. But with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic both reaching new heights this season — and their teams among the best in the league — this battle may be the most evenly matched yet.
Jokic brings history and hardware. SGA brings momentum and youth. The playoffs will decide who gets the last word.
