Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has strengthened his position atop the MVP race.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard expanded his lead over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the network’s second MVP straw poll of the 2025-26 season.
The poll surveyed 100 local, national and international media members and serves as a snapshot of the race. Gilgeous-Alexander received 78 first-place votes and was the only player to appear on all 100 ballots.
The reigning MVP also collected 20 second-place votes and two third-place votes, giving him a clear edge over Jokic with roughly two months remaining in the regular season.
Cade Cunningham placed third in the straw poll with 382 total points, followed by Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic. Cunningham’s Detroit Pistons own the best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-13, which has strengthened his case. Wembanyama and Doncic received first-place votes but trail significantly in total points.
The 27-year-old is averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field. He ranks second in the league in scoring behind Luka Doncic and is producing that output on elite efficiency for a high-usage perimeter scorer.
Oklahoma City owns the NBA’s best record at 42-14, including a 22-6 mark at home and 20-7 on the road.
Team success has historically shaped MVP voting, and the Thunder’s control of the Western Conference strengthens his case.
Jokic remains firmly in the race. The three-time MVP is averaging 28.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists while shooting 58.4% from the field and 40.6% from three. He leads the league with 20 triple-doubles and has 35 double-doubles in 40 games.
Denver sits third in the West at 35-20, 6.5 games behind Oklahoma City. The contrast in team positioning may influence voters.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency separates him from other high-volume guards. He is shooting 39.0% from three and 89.2% from the free-throw line while committing just 2.1 turnovers per game.
Jokic averages 3.8 turnovers, though his offensive responsibility is different as a primary facilitator in the post and at the elbow.
The MVP debate often centers on value within team structure. Oklahoma City relies on Gilgeous-Alexander to control tempo, collapse defenses and close games. Denver runs its offense through Jokic’s playmaking, which generates scoring balance across the lineup.
Both candidates anchor top-five Western Conference teams. However, the Thunder’s league-best record and Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring efficiency have widened the gap in this latest voting snapshot.
With 26 games left for Oklahoma City and 27 for Denver, the race remains fluid.
