Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to be the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. Again.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard will win his second consecutive NBA MVP award on Sunday, May 17, holding off a historic run from San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama and another jaw-dropping season from Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
The formal announcement is expected to come on Prime Video on Sunday, one day before the Thunder are set to host the Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game, shot 55.3% from the field and led the Thunder to 64 wins and the No.1 seed in the West, even while a steady stream of players around him kept getting hurt. When Oklahoma City needed a basket, he got it. When it needed a stop, he was there to do that, too.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama passes the ball away from Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the second half at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on Apr 19, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after dunking ahead of Philadelphia 76ers forwards Justin Edwards (11) and Dominick Barlow (25) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center on Apr 6, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) runs on the court against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at the Chase Center on Apr 1, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is introduced before the game against then Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center on Mar 30, 2026.
LA Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Intuit Dome on Mar. 16, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 10, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 8, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts with teammates forwards Carter Bryant (11) and Julian Champagnie (30) and guard Devin Vassell (24) after securing a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 6, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats a drum and leads fans on a cheer after a victory over the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) and at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) rebounds the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Mar. 3, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass the ball from the floor during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Moody Center on Feb. 19, 2026.
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 28, 2026.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) in the second half at State Farm Arena on Dec. 19, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during practice prior to the Emirates NBA Cup championship at the T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 15, 2025
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.1 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
1 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama pumps his fist at the end of the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026. Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award Monday, April 20 in the first unanimous vote in league history.
2 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama passes the ball away from Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (23) in the second half at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
3 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on April 4, 2026.
4 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on Apr 19, 2026.
5 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after dunking ahead of Philadelphia 76ers forwards Justin Edwards (11) and Dominick Barlow (25) during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Frost Bank Center on Apr 6, 2026.
6 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) runs on the court against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at the Chase Center on Apr 1, 2026.
7 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is introduced before the game against then Chicago Bulls at Frost Bank Center on Mar 30, 2026.
8 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
LA Clippers guard Jordan Miller (22) shoots the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in the first half at Intuit Dome on Mar. 16, 2026.
9 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) blocks a shot against Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 10, 2026.
10 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in introduced before the game against the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 8, 2026.
11 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts with teammates forwards Carter Bryant (11) and Julian Champagnie (30) and guard Devin Vassell (24) after securing a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 6, 2026.
12 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) beats a drum and leads fans on a cheer after a victory over the Detroit Pistons at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
13 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) and at Frost Bank Center on Mar. 5, 2026.
14 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) rebounds the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Mar. 3, 2026.
15 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks to pass the ball from the floor during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Moody Center on Feb. 19, 2026.
16 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on Jan. 28, 2026.
17 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) in the second half at State Farm Arena on Dec. 19, 2025
18 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during practice prior to the Emirates NBA Cup championship at the T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 15, 2025
19 / 19
Victor Wembanyama wins Defensive Player of the Year: See Spurs star in action
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Oct. 22, 2025.
On March 12, Gilgeous-Alexander, 27, broke one of the most untouchable records in basketball history.
He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive 20-point games, a streak that eventually reached 126 straight. Chamberlain set that mark in January 1963. Nobody had come close to reaching that record until Gilgeous-Alexander erased it that night with his 127th.
Gilgeous-Alexander put up 42 points on 15-of-18 shooting in Game 3 of the Thunder’s first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. He closed out the Los Angeles Lakers in four games with his 26th 30-point playoff game in a Thunder uniform.
Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died May 12 after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. He was 47.
Collins made history in April 2013 when he came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. The 13-year NBA veteran played for six franchises and later became an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, his twin brother Jarron, tributes to Collins poured in from basketball and beyond. See his trailblazing career.
Portrait of forward Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets during the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Dec. 11, 2001. The Nets defeated the Bulls 107-93.
Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets fights for a rebound against Zydrunas Ilgauskas #11 and Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2007 at the Continental Airlines Arena in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Jason Collins #34 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jason Collins #98 of the Boston Celtics splits the defenders underneath the basket in front of Gerald Henderson #9 of the Charlotte Bobcats during the game on January 14, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls tries to recapture the ball under pressure from Jason Collins #98 (L) and Garrett Temple #17 of the Washington Wizards at the United Center on April 17, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois
Jason Collins #98 of the Washington Wizards rebounds against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 17, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Wizards 95-92.
NBA player Jason Collins and former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
Jason Collins attends HBO’s Post 2014 Golden Globe Awards Party held at Circa 55 Restaurant on January 12, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
Jason Collins #98 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a basket with teammate Alan Anderson #6 during a game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 27, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. Collins wore #98 in honor of Matthew Shepard who was killed as part of a hate crime in 1998 near Laramie, Wyoming.
Former NBA player Jason Collins speaks onstage at The Human Rights Campaign 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Former NBA player Jason Collins at The Human Rights Campaign 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
Jason Collins (R) of the New Jersey Nets guards Shaquille O’Neal (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers during game two of the NBA Finals on June 7, 2002 at the Stapes Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 106-83 to lead the best-of-seven game series 2-0.1 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died May 12 after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. He was 47.
Collins made history in April 2013 when he came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. The 13-year NBA veteran played for six franchises and later became an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, his twin brother Jarron, tributes to Collins poured in from basketball and beyond. See his trailblazing career.
1 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died May 12 after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. He was 47.
Collins made history in April 2013 when he came out publicly in a Sports Illustrated essay, becoming the first openly gay active athlete in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. The 13-year NBA veteran played for six franchises and later became an NBA Cares Ambassador.
Survived by his husband, Brunson Green, his parents, his twin brother Jarron, tributes to Collins poured in from basketball and beyond. See his trailblazing career.
2 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Portrait of forward Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets during the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Dec. 11, 2001. The Nets defeated the Bulls 107-93.
3 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins #35 of the New Jersey Nets fights for a rebound against Zydrunas Ilgauskas #11 and Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs on May 18, 2007 at the Continental Airlines Arena in the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
4 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins #34 of the Atlanta Hawks against the Orlando Magic during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.
5 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins #98 of the Boston Celtics splits the defenders underneath the basket in front of Gerald Henderson #9 of the Charlotte Bobcats during the game on January 14, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
6 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls tries to recapture the ball under pressure from Jason Collins #98 (L) and Garrett Temple #17 of the Washington Wizards at the United Center on April 17, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois
7 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins #98 of the Washington Wizards rebounds against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 17, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Wizards 95-92.
8 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
NBA player Jason Collins and former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on September 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
9 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins attends HBO’s Post 2014 Golden Globe Awards Party held at Circa 55 Restaurant on January 12, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
10 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins #98 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a basket with teammate Alan Anderson #6 during a game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 27, 2014 in Denver, Colorado. Collins wore #98 in honor of Matthew Shepard who was killed as part of a hate crime in 1998 near Laramie, Wyoming.
11 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Former NBA player Jason Collins speaks onstage at The Human Rights Campaign 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
12 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Former NBA player Jason Collins at The Human Rights Campaign 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
13 / 13
Jason Collins, NBA’s first openly gay player, dies at 47. See his trailblazing career.
Jason Collins (R) of the New Jersey Nets guards Shaquille O’Neal (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers during game two of the NBA Finals on June 7, 2002 at the Stapes Center in Los Angeles, CA. The Lakers won the game 106-83 to lead the best-of-seven game series 2-0.
Gilgeous-Alexander is now the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP and the scoring title in the same season. He joins Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. A native of Ontario, Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander is only the second Canadian to win the NBA MVP award, following Steve Nash.
Wembanyama gave him a real scare down the stretch. The 22-year-old Spurs center was otherworldly on defense all season and became the youngest defensive player of the year winner in NBA history. He was the first unanimous selection for that award.
Now, Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander will battle it out on the court in the Western Conference finals.
Jokic, as usual, did things that seemed impossible for a human being. He led the league in rebounds, 12.9 per game, and assists, 10.7, averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to repeat as NBA MVP after standout season
