The 2025 MVP Race: SGA vs Joker

Published: 04/04/2025 12:00 am  

The 2025 MVP Race: SGA vs. The Joker

By Quick Sports Chat Staff

This year's MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most compelling and competitive battles in recent memory. After Nikola Jokić edged out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić in a tightly contested race last season, we're witnessing another showdown at the top, only this time, Luka’s injury has shifted the spotlight, and the Thunder are taking the league by storm.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Case for MVP

The Oklahoma City Thunder are not only winning, they're dominating. Currently on pace to break the all-time NBA record for point differential in a season at +13.39, their success has been driven by the steady leadership and superstar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

SGA has evolved into the heart and soul of this Thunder team, both on and off the court. His leadership, poise, and relentless scoring have been the catalyst for OKC’s rise to the top. He's averaging over 30 points per game for the third consecutive season, doing so with elite efficiency. On top of that, he’s going to break Michael Jordan’s record of 69 consecutive games with 20 or more points.

It’s not just the numbers, it’s the impact. The Thunder play with rare chemistry and cohesion, and it all starts with SGA. His ability to take over games, elevate those around him, and anchor the best record in the NBA makes his MVP case not just valid, but undeniable.

Nikola Jokić’s Case for MVP

What more can be said about Nikola Jokić? Much like LeBron James in the 2010s, we’re witnessing an era of sustained brilliance. Jokić remains the most complete player in basketball, an offensive maestro with an unmatched ability to control every aspect of the game.

This season, he's on the verge of becoming just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double across a full season. From a jaw-dropping 30-20-20 performance to nightly statistical clinics, Jokić continues to redefine what's possible from the center position. His efficiency differential of +20.8, per Cleaning the Glass, ranks top five in the NBA. proof that the Nuggets are a completely different team when he’s on the floor.

He is, without question, the best player in the league today. But does that automatically make him this season's Most Valuable Player?

Our Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2025 NBA MVP

At Quick Sports Chat, we’re casting our MVP vote for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While Jokić remains the league’s most dominant all-around talent, the MVP award has always carried a nuanced set of criteria; team success, individual production, leadership, and impact. Those same standards that once helped Jokić win the award now clearly favor SGA.

SGA is leading the best team in the league, producing elite numbers, and doing so with the same efficiency and consistency that previously gave Jokić the edge. If voters are to remain consistent in how the award is determined, the outcome should be clear.

Jokić might be the best player in the NBA. But this season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Most Valuable Player.