As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is increasingly viewed as the leading candidate to win the MVP award, according to the latest ESPN straw poll. Garnering a significant majority of first-place votes, the 27-year-old guard appears positioned to secure the prestigious honor once again, affirming his rising status among peers and media worldwide.
A diverse panel of 100 local, national, and international media members awarded Gilgeous-Alexander 78 first-place votes, far outpacing his closest rival, Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, who earned 18. Other contenders such as Cade Cunningham and Victor Wembanyama received only a handful of votes. The wide margin, with Gilgeous-Alexander holding a 230-point lead overall, supports the likelihood that he could become the seventh player since 2006 to claim consecutive MVP titles.
Changes in the MVP Landscape Since the Season Began
The competition for MVP has shifted notably since ESPN’s initial poll in December, when Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were nearly neck and neck, separated by a small number of first-place votes and total points. Luka Doncic was comfortably in third place at that time. However, following a recent injury hiatus, the NBA’s top scorer lost ground in voter opinion, slipping to fifth in the latest rankings. Factors such as the Los Angeles Lakers’ mediocre position in the Western Conference standings appear to have influenced Doncic’s decline in the race.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have consistently held first place in the Western Conference throughout the season, with only the San Antonio Spurs presenting a close challenge. Gilgeous-Alexander is widely regarded as the driving force behind what analysts predict could be the league’s first championship repeat in eight years, which further strengthens his case for MVP.
Durability and Consistency Bolster Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Candidacy
Despite managing an abdominal strain that currently sidelines him, Gilgeous-Alexander has missed just seven games this season, a testament to his resilience. In comparison, Jokic faces a critical threshold and can only afford to miss one additional game to meet the eligibility criteria of playing at least 65 games. Other elite contenders, including Victor Wembanyama and Luka Doncic, also have limited availability leeway, heightening concerns about their ability to sustain top-level performance through the season.
Cade Cunningham, who has appeared in 48 out of 54 games, poses a significant threat if Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence extends further. Cunningham’s versatility and strong statistical output could sway voters, especially as he leads the Detroit Pistons to the best record in the NBA.
Upcoming Face-Offs and Potential Shifts in MVP Dynamics
The Thunder and Pistons are scheduled to meet at Little Caesars Arena next Wednesday. However, with Gilgeous-Alexander possibly still sidelined, Cunningham may have a prime opportunity to impress in what could be a pivotal showcase. Should Cunningham continue to elevate his game, he could briefly inject suspense into the MVP conversation.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s current averages are stunning: 31.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, while accomplishing a career-high shooting percentage of 55.4 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from beyond the arc. A three-time All-NBA First Team selection, he is in the middle of an exceptional run of form that reflects his elite status in the league. If he returns soon and continues performing at this level, more accolades may be on the horizon.
What Gilgeous-Alexander’s Lead Means for the Season
The widening gap between Gilgeous-Alexander and other contenders highlights not only his remarkable consistency and durability but also the importance of maintaining health in the MVP race. While injuries to key opponents create openings for challengers like Cade Cunningham, the Thunder guard’s talent and leadership position him strongly to extend his reign as MVP. How the injury situation unfolds in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the debate intensifies or Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance goes unchallenged.
