ESPN Analyst Says SGA's MVP Case Isn't 'Locked Down' Due to Spurs' Wembanyama

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama keeps MVP race close with Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:06pm

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While Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the MVP favorite for months, ESPN's Brian Windhorst says the race is still close due to the impressive play of San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama. Windhorst believes the battle for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference between the Thunder and Spurs could be a deciding factor for MVP voters.

Why it matters

The tight MVP race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama highlights the incredible seasons both players are having and the fierce competition at the top of the Western Conference standings. The outcome of this race could have major implications for the postseason and the future of the league.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander recently had a 47-point game in an overtime win against the Detroit Pistons, cementing his case for MVP. However, the Spurs have won 14 of their last 15 games and are only 2.5 games behind the Thunder in the standings. Windhorst believes Wembanyama's impressive play has kept the MVP race close, and the battle for the No. 1 seed could be a deciding factor for voters.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a 47-point game against the Detroit Pistons on March 30, 2026.
  • The Spurs have won 14 of their last 15 games as of March 31, 2026.
  • There are only 6 games left in the regular season as of March 31, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is the current MVP favorite.

Victor Wembanyama

An All-Star center for the San Antonio Spurs who has kept the MVP race close with his impressive play.

Tyrese Haliburton

A guard for the Indiana Pacers who revealed his MVP pick between Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama.

Brian Windhorst

An ESPN analyst who discussed the tight MVP race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama.

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What they’re saying

“His case is airtight, but not locked down. He's been the favorite for months. If you look at the last two nights, he's had incredible clutch performances against the Knicks and the Pistons — two of the east's best teams — granted the Pistons were missing really key guys last night. There's no reason why we shouldn't declare him the winner. But Victor Wembanyama has been so impressive, and this race for the No. 1 seed is crackling.”

— Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst

“If I had a vote, it would for sure go to Shai for back-to-back. I think what Wemby is doing in San Antonio is amazing. So, I don't want to take away from that. I would vote for Shai, but I see the campaign that's going for him. It's within well reason, but I would definitely vote for Shai.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Guard

What’s next

With only six games left in the regular season, the battle for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference between the Thunder and Spurs will likely be a key factor in determining the MVP award.

The takeaway

The tight MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama highlights the incredible talent and competitiveness at the top of the NBA. The outcome of this race could have major implications for the postseason and the future of the league.