The finalists of the 2025-26 season of the NBA for each of its seven end-of-season awards on Sunday. In this season, there has been a significant shift in the league’s hierarchy, characterized by the dominance of international superstars and the emergence of a new generation of talent. The MVP race features the three-time winner Nikola Jokic, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander, and the meteoric Victor Wembanyama. Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham missed the cut despite being granted eligibility exceptions.

The growth of these finalists is best illustrated by the dramatic improvements of their respective teams over the last year. The 65-game rule is a strict regulation as the players need to play enough games to prove their worthiness. Even though Luke Doncic and Cade Cunningham were exempted from the qualification, they couldn’t gather enough votes to make it through. This highlights the quality of performance that has been on display in this season and the standards set were really high.

Nikola Jokic leads the old guard while Victor Wembanyama enters as multi-category finalist

The race for the Michael Jordan Trophy is one of the most competitive in history. The Oklahoma City Thunder star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and is hoping to be the 14th player to win consecutive awards. The Denver Nuggets star, Nikola Jokic, has been redefining the center position with his playmaking. Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs has crashed the MVP party in just the second season. He has been terrific in the season as he has been shortlisted for both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

The Defensive Player of the Year finalists will indeed have a tough matchup as they have guarded their rim with versatility and strength. The Oklahoma City Thunder defender Chet Holmgren has been the anchor of the Thunder’s elite defense, proving his durability and IQ. Ausar Thompson from the Detroit Pistons has been one of their glimmers of hope as he has been excellent with his struggling side. He has been excellent as he can guard multiple positions and is recognized for his elite athleticism.

While established icons such as Nikola Jokic continue to set the standard for excellence, the arrival of Victor Wembanyama as a multi-category finalist surely marks a new era. The rise of the Oklahoma City Thunder will be a definitive one and the awards of this season, would be the start of something bigger.