In a season that seemed destined to belong to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enter Victor Wembanyama, who’s making a compelling case for MVP. The towering presence of Wembanyama has added a thrilling twist to the MVP race, casting a long shadow over Gilgeous-Alexander’s hopes of clinching back-to-back titles.
Recently, Wembanyama has surged, catching up to Gilgeous-Alexander in the MVP conversation. The buzz is real, with betting odds and national podcasts hinting that this race is tighter than anyone predicted just weeks ago. The San Antonio Spurs nipping at the heels of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed is a significant factor in this shift.
As we head into the final stretch, the stakes are high. If the Thunder secure the first seed, Gilgeous-Alexander’s chances of repeating as MVP look strong. It might not be the landslide many expected, but he’s certainly in the mix to top the list again.
Adding to the conversation, Tyrese Haliburton shared his thoughts on the MVP debate during an NBA broadcast on Amazon Prime. He expressed his support for Gilgeous-Alexander, citing their unforgettable showdown in the seven-game 2025 NBA Finals as a bond that ties them together.
"I see there's been a lot of conversation about it. My vote would for sure go to Shai back-to-back," Haliburton stated.
"What Wemby is doing in San Antonio, I wouldn't want to take away from that. But I would vote for Shai.
I see the campaign that's going for him."
Haliburton, sidelined this season due to a torn Achilles sustained in the Finals, knows the stakes well. His decision to play through a calf strain in that critical Game 7 underscores the intensity and commitment at play.
With the MVP discussion heating up, expect more voices to join the fray. Haliburton’s endorsement is just the beginning, and as the season wraps up, the debate is sure to intensify. Gilgeous-Alexander can count on the support of those who’ve battled alongside him, especially those unforgettable moments after lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy.