"In ESPN's second MVP straw poll of the 2025-26 season -- a current snapshot of the race using a panel of 100 local, national and international media members surveyed this week -- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander increased his lead over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Gilgeous-Alexander claimed 78 first-place votes and was the only player named to all 100 ballots. The reigning MVP, who also secured 20 second-place and two third-place votes, is in the midst of another stellar season, averaging 31.8 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field for the Western Conference-leading Thunder."
"SGA's lead has grown despite the defending champions slipping since our first straw poll was released in mid-December. The Thunder once were on pace to win 70-plus games, but injuries have brought them back to earth; they have gone 17-13 after a blistering 24-1 start to the season. That has included a recent abdominal injury to Gilgeous-Alexander, who has already missed seven games and will miss at least a few more after the team announced Thursday he'll be re-evaluated in a week."
A 100-member media panel currently places Shai Gilgeous-Alexander atop the 2025-26 MVP race with 78 first-place votes and presence on every ballot. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.8 points, 6.4 assists and shooting 55.4% while leading the Western Conference's Thunder. The Thunder began 24-1 but have cooled to 17-13 amid injuries to multiple players. Gilgeous-Alexander has missed seven games with an abdominal issue and will be re-evaluated in a week. Voters submitted five-player ballots scored 10-7-5-3-1 to mirror the NBA's official postseason award voting system.
Read at ESPN.com
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