Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named as 2025-26 MVP finalist

Apr 19, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a play against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

In a weekend filled with high-leverage basketball, the 2026 NBA playoffs are officially underway. That means we're closer to finding out the 2025-26 regular season award winners.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a handful of finalists announced. Shouldn't be a shocker. They had an NBA-best 64-18 record and plus-11.1 point differential. After they picked up a 119-84 Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns, they had their two All-Star representatives get love.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named a 2025-26 MVP finalist. The other two were Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic. Things went pretty chalk there.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds. He played in 68 games. Considering what the tea leaves say, feels like he's well on his way to win back-to-back MVP trophies. We'll see, though, the NBA has yet to announce when the winner will be known.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named as 2025-26 MVP finalist