The NBA announced Shai Gilgeous–Alexander as the 2025 regular-season MVP, securing the top spot in the voting. Nikola Jokic came in second, with Giannis Antetokounmpo rounding out the top three. Despite the runner-up finish, the Serbian superstar made history, joining Celtics legend Larry Bird in an exclusive statistical feat.
According to StatMuse, Jokic is now one of just two players in NBA history to finish top two in MVP voting for five consecutive seasons, a distinction he shares with Bird.
Jokic won his first MVP in 2021, repeated the achievement in 2022, and finished second behind Joel Embiid in 2023. He secured his third MVP last season before landing in second place again this year, solidifying his spot alongside Bird in the record books.
Bird remains the only player in NBA history to finish in the top two for six straight years. The Celtics legend was the runner-up in 1981, 1982, and 1983, before claiming MVP honors in three consecutive seasons: 1984, 1985, and 1986.
Seasons of Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander
This year’s MVP race was one of the most competitive in recent memory, thanks to exceptional seasons from both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander. The Serbian star delivered arguably the best season of his career, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
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Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game, shooting an impressive 51.9% from the field. He also averaged 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
The Canadian guard spearheaded a historic campaign for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who set an NBA record with a +12.9 point differential per game and finished with 18 more wins than the Nuggets.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic season places him in rare company. The only player to average at least 30 points, 50% shooting from the field, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game in a single season is Michael Jordan, who accomplished the feat in 1987-88 and 1990-91—both MVP-winning campaigns.
