It is one of the tightest, best three-way MVP races in recent memory between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
Which is why it's no shock that those three were the top three vote-getters and are the finalists for Most Valuable Player, as the NBA released the finalists for all its awards this season.
Here is the full list (players listed in alphabetical order).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
VJ Edgecombe (76ers)Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
Chet Holmgren (Thunder)Ausar Thompson (Pistons)Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
J.B. Bickerstaff (Pistons)Mitch Johnson (Spurs)Joe Mazzulla (Celtics)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks)Jalen Duren (Pistons)Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Nuggets)Jamie Jaquez Jr. (Heat)Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
MON: Defensive Player of the Year (on Peacock)TUE: Clutch Player of the Year (on Peacock)WED: Sixth Man AwardTHU: NBA Sportsmanship AwardFRI: Most Improved Player
Nothing is shocking on these lists. Which means no Lakers fans, Luka Doncic was not snubbed. As fantastic as he was this season, and even if he had played the final handful of games, he was half a step behind the top three in terms of consistency and two-way impact. Fifth in MVP voting will be Cade Cunningham or Jaylen Brown, but expect the Pistons' All-Star to get the nod.
