Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Victor Wembanyama in final NBA MVP poll
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains comfortably ahead of a surging Victor Wembanyama in the final straw poll for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard secured 88 out of 100 first-place votes in the latest media ballot of the 2025-26 regular season.
He is now firmly on course to become just the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVP honours.
Wembanyama’s late push
The San Antonio Spurs have been in phenomenal form, winning 27 of 29 games since the start of February.
This relentless run has propelled their 22-year-old French phenom into serious contention for the league’s top individual prize.
Wembanyama is looking to become the first player to win the award as early as his third season since Derrick Rose achieved the feat 15 years ago.
However, the towering Spurs centre currently trails the reigning MVP by 300 points in the latest voting snapshot.
Injury-hit Thunder stay ahead
Despite the meteoric rise of the San Antonio star, Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently steered Oklahoma City to the NBA’s best record.
The 27-year-old playmaker has delivered clutch performances while his team navigated numerous significant injuries.
His leadership has been vital during the prolonged absence of All-Star team-mate Jalen Williams, who has been restricted to just 30 appearances following wrist surgery.
The Thunder talisman is averaging a stellar 31.6 points on 55.3% shooting, alongside 6.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
Letting the game talk
Both frontrunners showcased their elite credentials on Monday night with outstanding individual displays.
Wembanyama recorded 41 points and 16 rebounds as San Antonio completely overwhelmed the Chicago Bulls.
Just hours later, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 47 points in a dramatic overtime victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.
When asked about the ongoing award debate following that win, the defending champion remained characteristically focused.
“No, I’m good. Thanks for asking, though. Yeah, I’m good. I let my game do the talking.”
Other notable contenders lagging behind the leading duo include Denver Nuggets talisman Nikola Jokic and Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.