NBA MVP Race Heats Up as Season Winds Down

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Doncic lead the pack with just weeks left in the season.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in vibrant colors representing the dynamic competition for the league's MVP award.The race for the NBA's highest individual honor intensifies as the season winds down.Denver Today

With the NBA regular season nearing its end, the race for the league's Most Valuable Player award is heating up. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder remains the favorite, but a recent surge from Lakers star Luka Doncic has shaken up the odds. Meanwhile, Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama and Nuggets veteran Nikola Jokic are also in the mix as top contenders.

Why it matters

The NBA MVP award is one of the league's most prestigious individual honors, and the final weeks of the season often see players make a final push to separate themselves from the pack. This year's race is particularly compelling, with several superstars vying for the title.

The details

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the frontrunner for much of the season, leading the Thunder to a surprisingly strong campaign. However, Luka Doncic's historic scoring streak has put him firmly in the conversation, and the young Spurs phenom Wembanyama has also emerged as a dark horse candidate. Jokic, seeking his third MVP in four years, remains in the mix as well.

  • The NBA regular season ends on Sunday, April 12.
  • The play-in tournament begins two days later on Tuesday, April 14.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' superstar guard who recently made NBA history with a nine-game 30-point scoring streak.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted Spurs rookie who has emerged as a dark horse MVP candidate in his first NBA season.

Nikola Jokic

The Nuggets' veteran center who is seeking his third MVP award in four years.

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What they’re saying

“Luka's been on an absolute tear, and you can't ignore that kind of historic production, even if Shai and the Thunder have had the better overall season.”

— Jaylen Brown, Celtics Forward

“Wembanyama is a generational talent, and the fact that he's even in the MVP conversation as a rookie is a testament to how special he is.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Guard

What’s next

The NBA regular season concludes on April 12, with the play-in tournament beginning two days later on April 14. The MVP award will be announced in the days following the conclusion of the playoffs.

The takeaway

This year's NBA MVP race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several superstars making a strong case for the league's top individual honor. The final weeks of the season will be must-watch television as these players make their final push to separate themselves from the pack.