Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has moved ahead of Nikola Jokic in the latest MVP straw poll conducted by ESPN. Gilgeous-Alexander earned 70 first-place votes and 30 second-place votes, giving him the edge in the race.
In contrast, Jokic, who topped the previous straw poll, received 30 first-place votes, 69 second-place votes, and one third-place vote. Currently, the two players are separated by 122 points, making the MVP competition a close battle between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.
The top five in the MVP race are rounded out by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell.
As the NBA heads into the All-Star break, Gilgeous-Alexander is posting impressive numbers, averaging 32.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.9 steals per game in 34.0 minutes of play.
He also boasts a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 31.0. Under his leadership, the Oklahoma City Thunder currently have the best Net Rating in the league and share the best record of 44-10 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Meanwhile, Jokic is putting up outstanding stats as well, averaging 29.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game over 36.0 minutes.
Despite a slow start to their season, the Denver Nuggets have rebounded to hold a 36-19 record, placing them third in the Western Conference standings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Moves Ahead Of Nikola Jokic In Latest NBA MVP Straw Poll https://t.co/QpY8pVaROc
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 14, 2025
