Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama Locked in Tight NBA MVP Race

Thunder and Spurs stars battle for top individual honor as season winds down

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:13pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors that breaks down a basketball game or match between two teams into sharp, overlapping geometric planes, conveying the intensity and competitive spirit of the NBA MVP race.The intense battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama for the NBA MVP award is reflected in a cubist-inspired illustration that captures the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of their teams' matchups.Denver Today

The 2025-26 NBA MVP race is one of the closest in recent memory, with Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama emerging as the top contenders. Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up historic scoring numbers, while Wembanyama's dominant two-way play has propelled the Spurs to a strong finish. The race may come down to which team finishes with the better record, as both players have made compelling cases for the award.

Why it matters

The MVP race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama has captivated the NBA this season, as the two young stars continue to elevate their teams and push each other to new heights. The outcome could have major implications, not just for individual accolades, but also for the competitive balance of the league going forward.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a career-high 31.4 points per game while shooting over 55% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. He has scored 30+ points in 42 of his 63 games this season, helping the Thunder to the best record in the NBA. Meanwhile, Wembanyama has been a dominant two-way force for the Spurs, averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game. San Antonio has won 24 of its last 26 games, closing in on the Thunder for the West's top seed.

  • Gilgeous-Alexander recently passed Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive 20-point games.
  • Wembanyama missed a brief stretch of games due to injury but has returned and is on track to qualify for end-of-season honors.
  • The race could come down to the final games of the regular season, as the Thunder and Spurs battle for the best record in the West.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder star is averaging a career-high 31.4 points per game while leading his team to the best record in the NBA.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs' young superstar has been dominant on both ends of the floor, averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game.

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What they’re saying

“Defense is 50 percent of the game and that is undervalued, so far, in the MVP race. I believe I'm the most impactful player defensively in the league.”

— Victor Wembanyama

“My third argument would be that offense impact is not just points.”

— Victor Wembanyama

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This year's MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama has been one of the closest and most compelling in recent memory, with both players making strong cases for the award. The outcome could have significant implications for the competitive balance of the league going forward.