The Final Voting Results of the 2024-25 NBA MVP Race 😯

The 2024-25 NBA season delivered one of the most electrifying MVP races in recent memory. From record-breaking performances to historic team success, fans and analysts alike were on edge all season long as several superstars made compelling cases for the league’s most prestigious individual award. Now that the final voting results are in, we can break down the outcome—and the surprises—that came with it.

🏆 Winner: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

In a stunning but well-deserved outcome, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander captured his first NBA MVP award, capping off a breakout season in which he led the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference. The 26-year-old Canadian guard averaged 31.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 51% from the field and playing elite defense. His steady leadership, two-way dominance, and late-game heroics elevated Oklahoma City from a promising young squad to a true title contender.

Gilgeous-Alexander received 79 first-place votes out of 100, securing a comfortable lead in the final tally. He becomes the first Thunder player since Kevin Durant in 2014 to win the award, solidifying his place among the NBA’s elite.

Final vote points: 894

🥈 Runner-Up: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)

Despite another phenomenal season, Nikola Jokić fell just short of his third MVP title. The Serbian big man posted typical video-game numbers, with 26.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58% from the field. The Nuggets finished second in the West, and Jokić remained the offensive hub and engine for the defending champs.

Although his numbers were jaw-dropping as always, some voters leaned toward Shai’s combination of scoring and defensive presence, as well as Oklahoma City’s slightly better regular-season record.

First-place votes: 17
Final vote points: 771

🥉 Third Place: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third in voting, continuing his streak of being in the MVP conversation year after year. The “Greek Freak” averaged 30.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, helping the Bucks to a top-three finish in the East despite dealing with injuries to key teammates. His presence on both ends of the floor and his relentless motor made him one of the most feared players in the league once again.

Giannis earned 3 first-place votes but couldn’t quite keep up with Shai and Jokić in overall value metrics, largely due to team inconsistency and Milwaukee’s mid-season coaching change.

Final vote points: 645

🤯 Surprise Fourth Place: Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

Perhaps the biggest shock of the MVP race was the meteoric rise of Jalen Brunson, who finished fourth in voting and even received one first-place vote. The Knicks’ floor general had a breakout campaign, putting up 28.9 points and 7.2 assists per game while carrying an injury-plagued New York squad to a top-four seed in the East.

Brunson’s clutch performances and leadership elevated his status from a solid All-Star to a legitimate MVP candidate. His improvement year-over-year turned heads across the league.

Final vote points: 512

💥 Fifth Place: Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)

After spending much of the season near the top of the MVP ladder, Luka Dončić slid to fifth in the final results. Statistically, Dončić was a monster—averaging 33.6 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.9 rebounds—but questions about Dallas’ defense, inconsistency, and finishing fifth in the West hurt his candidacy.

Some voters were also critical of Luka’s ball-dominant style and stretches of lackluster defense. Still, there’s no denying his brilliance and importance to the Mavericks’ success.

Final vote points: 498

Other Notables in the MVP Voting

🌀 Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – 6th place

Tatum put together a strong season as the Celtics posted the best record in the NBA. While he remained the focal point of Boston’s offense, some voters saw the Celtics as a “balanced machine” rather than one man’s show. Tatum received strong support but no first-place votes.

🔥 Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – 7th place

The Timberwolves’ rise to prominence was largely driven by Edwards’ growth into a two-way star. With averages of 26.5 points and elite perimeter defense, he earned his first appearance in the MVP top 10.

🌟 Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) – 9th place

Curry remained elite when healthy but the Warriors’ struggle to stay above .500 hampered his candidacy. Still, he managed a few fifth-place votes.

🧠 What the MVP Race Tells Us

This year’s MVP voting tells a broader story about where the league is headed. Youth is rising fast, with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and Anthony Edwards pushing past traditional giants. Voters are now valuing defensive impact, leadership, and team context as much as raw numbers.

Shai’s win also speaks volumes about the evolution of the Thunder franchise—one that went from rebuilding just two years ago to now being at the top of the West.

🏀 Looking Ahead

With MVP ballots submitted and results in, the spotlight now turns to the playoffs, where each of these stars will look to validate their regular-season dominance with postseason success. Will Shai carry the Thunder to their first Finals since 2012? Can Jokić repeat as champion? Will Brunson’s magical season continue into June?

One thing’s for sure: the NBA is in excellent hands, and the MVP race of 2024-25 will be remembered as one of the most exciting, unpredictable finishes in recent history. 😯