The 2025 NBA MVP debate has taken center stage again—and for good reason. As the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder opened their Western Conference Semifinal series Monday night, the spotlight was squarely on Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two frontrunners for this year’s MVP award. But after Jokic’s jaw-dropping Game 1 performance, the narrative has begun to shift.
Both stars had phenomenal regular seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, positioning himself as the favorite heading into the final vote. Jokic, however, became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, finishing with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game—while also anchoring Denver’s success on both ends of the floor.
With the MVP ballots already submitted, Game 1 wasn’t supposed to sway the outcome. But it may be reshaping public perception. Jokic delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances in recent memory, tallying 40 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists, powering the Nuggets to a 121-119 comeback win in Oklahoma City. He joined elite company, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to post such numbers in a postseason game.
The Thunder, who held the NBA’s best home record during the regular season (35–6), led for most of the contest before Denver stormed back in the fourth quarter. Aaron Gordon’s game-winning three was the dagger, but it was Jokic’s relentless brilliance that carried the Nuggets.
Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t far behind in impact, finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Still, the postgame discourse quickly turned toward Jokic’s ability to elevate his team under pressure. Former NBA guard Jamal Crawford stirred the pot on social media, questioning the legitimacy of the MVP voting process:
“Still don’t get this MVP debate… No Jokic, no playoffs. No SGA, OKC is easily a top 6 seed…”
“Everyone of you who voted SGA over Jokic should resign your vote now.”
This reignited debate highlights the age-old tension in MVP voting—value versus narrative. Gilgeous-Alexander undoubtedly elevated the young Thunder to new heights this season, but Jokic’s postseason dominance may be the ultimate reminder of what “most valuable” truly means.
While the MVP trophy will soon have a permanent home, this series may offer the final word on who truly stood tallest in 2025. Game 2 tips off Wednesday night, with eyes not just on the scoreboard—but on a legacy-defining battle between two of the game’s brightest stars.
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