Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Poised for Repeat NBA MVP

Thunder star has commanding lead in latest straw poll with one week left in season

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements and court presence broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dynamic two-way play has him poised for a second straight NBA MVP award.Oklahoma City Today

With just one week remaining in the 2025-26 NBA season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the overwhelming favorite to repeat as the league's Most Valuable Player, according to the latest straw poll conducted by ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

Why it matters

Gilgeous-Alexander's potential back-to-back MVP awards would cement his status as one of the league's elite players and continue the Thunder's resurgence as a Western Conference contender after several down years.

The details

Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder to a 55-25 record so far this season, averaging 28.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. His dominant play has put him well ahead of other top candidates like Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in the MVP race, with just one week left in the regular season.

  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on April 13, 2026.
  • ESPN's Tim Bontemps conducted his latest MVP straw poll in early April 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A 24-year-old point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is the overwhelming favorite to win his second consecutive NBA MVP award.

Victor Wembanyama

A 21-year-old center for the San Antonio Spurs who has gained late momentum in the MVP race but is still trailing Gilgeous-Alexander.

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What they’re saying

“Shai has been the most dominant player in the league this season. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and efficient two-way play is unmatched.”

— Tim Bontemps, ESPN NBA Analyst

What’s next

The NBA will announce the 2025-26 MVP award winner following the conclusion of the regular season on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's potential back-to-back MVP awards would cement his status as one of the NBA's elite superstars and continue the Thunder's rise as a Western Conference powerhouse.