The 2025 MVP race was one for the ages, with plenty of fans thrilled to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take home the trophy. But not everyone’s convinced he was the right pick.
From statistical comparisons to narrative debates, there’s been a lot of chatter about whether someone else—say, a familiar giant from Denver—was more deserving. Let’s count down 10 reasons why some believe Shai shouldn’t have been named MVP.
10. Jokić Was Doing It All
Nikola Jokić put up numbers that felt like something out of a video game. Scoring, rebounding, passing—you name it, he dominated it.
9. Too Many Easy Wins
The Thunder won a lot of games by double digits, which meant Shai wasn’t often tested late. Yes, the Thunder won a lot of blowout games because of Shai’s impressive skills, but some argue it’s hard to crown someone MVP when they weren’t battle-hardened in crunch time.
8. Clutch Moments Came Up Short
In a few of the season’s biggest games, Shai didn’t exactly light it up when it mattered most. For a supposed MVP, fans expected more late-game takeovers. He’s been impressive so far in the playoffs, but has he really been battle tested?!
7. Team Success Clouded the Picture
OKC was stacked this year, and that might’ve made Shai look more valuable than he truly was. When your squad is loaded, it’s easier to shine.
6. Jokić Had the Harder Road
While the Thunder cruised, the Nuggets dealt with injuries and inconsistency. Jokić still carried them through the chaos, which says a lot about his value.
5. Padding the Stats?
Some critics say Shai stayed on the court longer than needed in blowouts. That raised eyebrows about whether some of those big nights were more about numbers than necessity.
4. Defense Still a Question Mark
Sure, he racks up steals, but was Shai locking guys down? Compared to other MVP contenders, his defensive presence wasn’t quite as impactful.
3. Jokić’s Bag Is Just Deeper
When it comes to versatility, Jokić is in a league of his own. Scoring, playmaking, running the show as a big man—his toolbox is endless.
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2. Voter Fatigue Is Real
Let’s face it, giving someone a fourth MVP is a big deal. Some believe voters wanted a fresh face no matter what the stats said.
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1. MVP Should Mean “Most Proven”
Even though it’s a regular-season award, people still want the MVP to feel like someone who can carry their team through anything. Shai hasn’t had that defining postseason moment yet, and that leaves some fans unconvinced. However, he does have the chance to back up his MVP award with a ring.
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