The NBA has announced the finalists for seven major awards honoring the top performers of the 2024–25 regular season, and NIKOLA JOKIĆ stands out as a contender in two categories.
The Denver Nuggets superstar is once again in the race for Most Valuable Player (MVP), a trophy he has already won three times. Although JOKIĆ is defending his title and coming off a career-best season — averaging a triple-double — the frontrunner this time appears to be Canadian guard SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER.
Much like JOEL EMBIID two seasons ago, who edged out JOKIĆ during the Nuggets’ championship year, GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER is currently the favorite. It remains to be seen whether history will repeat itself.
In a surprise twist, JOKIĆ has also been named a finalist for a second honor: Clutch Player of the Year, an award given to the player who performs best under pressure in critical moments — something the Serbian center has become known for.
This announcement comes just after JOKIĆ and the Denver Nuggets delivered a dramatic 112–110 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the NBA quarterfinal playoffs — a perfect showcase of his clutch credentials.
NBA 2024–25 Finalists:
Most Valuable Player
- GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO, Milwaukee
- SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, Oklahoma City
- NIKOLA JOKIĆ, Denver
Rookie of the Year
- STEPHON CASTLE, San Antonio
- ZACCHARIE RISACHER, Atlanta
- JALEN WELLS, Memphis
Defensive Player of the Year
- DYSON DANIELS, Atlanta
- DRAYMOND GREEN, Golden State
- EVAN MOBLEY, Cleveland
Most Improved Player
- CADE CUNNINGHAM, Detroit
- DYSON DANIELS, Atlanta
- IVICA ZUBAC, Los Angeles Clippers
Sixth Man of the Year
- MALIK BEASLEY, Detroit
- TY JEROME, Cleveland
- PAYTON PRITCHARD, Boston
Clutch Player of the Year
- JALEN BRUNSON, New York Knicks
- ANTHONY EDWARDS, Minnesota
- NIKOLA JOKIĆ, Denver
Coach of the Year
- KENNY ATKINSON, Cleveland
- J.B. BICKERSTAFF, Detroit
- IME UDOKA, Houston
With JOKIĆ in top form and leading his team deep into the playoffs, all eyes are now on whether he can walk away with not one — but two — prestigious NBA honors.
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Source: Sportal, Foto: Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel