
Jaylen Brown acknowledges the NBA MVP race is nearly decided, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder as the frontrunner. The Thunder's success and Gilgeous-Alexander's performance solidify his position as the favorite.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown
Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Finally Admits Hard Truth About NBA MVP Case originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With only a few games left in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the NBA MVP race is all but settled.
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heavy favorite to win again, and rightfully so. The Thunder are the best team in the league and he's their best player.
Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and Jaylen Brown are in the mix as well, but there's pretty much nothing they can do at this point to meaningfully impact the race. OKC has already clinched the league's best record, and SGA has the best all-around stats.
Brown appeared to understand that during an interview that aired on ESPN2 on Thursday. When asked if he thinks he should be the NBA MVP this year, Brown said the following:
"Analytically, probably not, honestly," Brown acknowledged. "But I put my blood, sweat and tears into this season on the court from a performance standpoint, doing what my team needs me to do on both ends of the court.
"And then also from a leadership standpoint, galvanizing guys, getting everybody on the same page in the midst of uncertainty to help keep us in contention at the top of the league. The analytics don't quantify who I am and who my spirit is."
Brown may not be the league MVP, but he was unquestionably the Boston Celtics' MVP this season, stepping up in Jayson Tatum's absence and helping them remain among the league's best teams. Brown did everything the Celtics needed him to do and more, going above and beyond for them in the best season of his career so far.
He may not win, but at least he'll get some votes along with the recognition he deserves.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is favored to win the NBA MVP award due to his standout performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder being the best team in the league.
There are only a few games left in the 2025-26 NBA regular season, indicating that the MVP race is nearing its conclusion.
Jaylen Brown admitted that the NBA MVP race is almost settled, recognizing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's strong position as the leading candidate.



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