That’s why it’s no surprise that those three were the top three vote-getters and finalists for Most Valuable Player, as the NBA released the finalists for all of its awards this season.
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Here is the full list (players listed in alphabetical order).
Most valuable player
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
rookie of the year
VJ Edgecombe (76ers)
Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
Kon Knueppel (Hornets)
Defensive Player of the Year
Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
Ausar Thompson (Pistons)
Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
Coach of the year
JB Bickerstaff (Pistons)
Mitch Johnson (Spurs)
Joe Mazzulla (Celts)
Most Improved Player
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Falcons)
Jalen Duren (Pistons)
Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
Sixth man of the year
Tim Hardaway Jr. (Nuggets)
Jamie Jáquez Jr. (Heat)
Keldon Johnson (Spurs)
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Clutch Player of the Year
Anthony Edwards (Timber Wolves)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
Five of the awards will be announced this week:
MON: Defensive Player of the Year (in Peacock)
SEA: Clutch Player of the Year (in Peacock)
MARRY: Sixth Man Award
THU: NBA Sportsmanship Award
FRI: Most Improved Player
Nothing is surprising in these lists. Which means no Lakers fans, Luka Doncic wasn’t snubbed. As fantastic as he was this season, and even if he had played the last few games, he was a half-step behind the top three in terms of consistency and two-way impact. Fifth place in MVP voting will be Cade Cunningham or Jaylen Brown, but the Pistons All-Star is expected to get the nod.