The 202425 NBA season has been filled with remarkable performances, thrilling upsets, and recordbreaking feats. As the regular season concludes, fans and analysts alike are turning their attention to the annual NBA awards, with standout players and coaches vying for recognition across multiple categories. This years awards are shaping up to be some of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with several candidates making strong cases for each honor.
MVP Finalists: A ThreeWay Battle
The race for the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player MVP Award has come down to three heavyweights: Shai GilgeousAlexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Shai GilgeousAlexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a revelation this season. Averaging 27.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, his leadership has propelled the Thunder to a surprising playoff berth, securing a 4537 record. His performance in clutch moments, including multiple gamewinning shots, has solidified his status as a potential MVP frontrunner. In particular, his 45point outing against the Los Angeles Lakers was one of the standout performances of the season.
Nikola Jokić, the twotime MVP, is also in the mix, delivering another stellar campaign for the Denver Nuggets. With averages of 24.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, Jokić continues to redefine the center position with his allaround play. His basketball IQ and ability to dominate in both the scoring and playmaking departments have made him an invaluable asset for the Nuggets.
Finally, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning Finals MVP, has remained one of the leagues most dominant forces. Despite dealing with injuries, Giannis has been a terror on both ends of the floor, averaging 30.4 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. His consistency and ability to elevate the Milwaukee Bucks to the top of the Eastern Conference makes him an everpresent MVP contender.
Coach of the Year: The Rebuilders Triumph
The 202425 NBA Coach of the Year award finalists feature three deserving candidates: Kenny Atkinson, J.B. Bickerstaff, and Ime Udoka.
Atkinson, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers, has orchestrated an impressive turnaround for the franchise, guiding them to a playoff spot. Under his stewardship, the Cavaliers have developed a more cohesive team, with significant strides from young stars like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons has also made a strong case, with his leadership helping the Pistons secure a rare postseason berth. Bickerstaffs work with a roster filled with developing talent, including Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, has been crucial in their rise.
However, Ime Udokas impact with the Houston Rockets has perhaps been the most striking. After taking over a team in rebuilding mode, Udoka has instilled a sense of discipline and resilience, leading the Rockets to an impressive 50win season. His tactical acumen and ingame adjustments have allowed Houston to challenge some of the Wests top teams.
Most Improved Player: Zubacs Breakout Season
Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers has emerged as the favorite for the Most Improved Player MIP Award. The Croatian center has significantly improved his scoring and rebounding, increasing his points per game from 12 to 16, and his rebounds from 9 to 12. Zubacs impact in the paint has been a gamechanger for the Clippers, as he has become a reliable scorer and a key figure in their defensive schemes.
Other notable MIP candidates include Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, who has blossomed into one of the most efficient point guards in the league, and Jalen Green, who has shown significant growth in his second season with the Rockets.
Defensive Player of the Year: Dorts Lockdown Defense
The Defensive Player of the Year DPOY finalists include several standout candidates, but Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder has perhaps been the most impactful. Known for his tenacious onball defense, Dort has been instrumental in shutting down some of the leagues top scorers, averaging 1.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. His ability to lock down opposing wings and guard multiple positions has been a key factor in the Thunders rise this season.
Other finalists for the award include Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been a shotblocking machine for the Memphis Grizzlies, and Brook Lopez, whose rim protection has been a cornerstone for the Bucks defense.
Sixth Man of the Year: Pritchards Spark off the Bench
One of the most exciting races this season has been for Sixth Man of the Year, with Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics leading the charge. Pritchard has been a dynamic presence off the bench, providing a scoring spark and facilitating Bostons offense during critical stretches. His impressive threepoint shooting 40 from beyond the arc has been vital in key victories, making him a standout candidate.
Other contenders include Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons, who has been a scoring threat off the bench, and Nikheel AlexanderWalker of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has impressed with his twoway play.
Conclusion: A Season for the Ages
The 202425 NBA regular season has been nothing short of spectacular, with standout performances, exciting team storylines, and individual accolades that are sure to fuel debates for years to come. As we approach the postseason, the anticipation surrounding the NBA awards continues to build. Whether its Shai GilgeousAlexanders MVPcaliber season, Ime Udokas coaching prowess, or Zubacs remarkable improvement, this season has been a testament to the everevolving talent and strategies of the NBA. Fans are sure to be talking about these awards long after the champions are crowned.