NBA MVP straw poll: Why every game counts for SGA, Jokic, more stars - ESPN

ESPN

by Tim Bontemps

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The NBA MVP race remains a tightly contested battle, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leading the pack in ESPN's second MVP straw poll. SGA secured 78 first-place votes, solidifying his position at the top of the rankings despite the Thunder's recent struggles and his own injury setbacks. His impressive stats—31.8 points, 6.4 assists, and a shooting clip of 55.4%—underscore his MVP-worthy performance this season. However, SGA's extended absence due to an abdominal injury has raised questions about whether he can maintain his lead, especially as other contenders like Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama close in. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic continues to trail SGA but remains a strong contender with 18 first-place votes. Despite missing nearly a month due to a bone bruise, Jokic has posted stellar numbers: 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, along with a remarkable 59% shooting percentage. However, his MVP chances hinge on his health; if he misses two more games, he'll fall short of the 65-game threshold required for eligibility. This adds urgency to his quest to stay on the court and maintain his MVP credentials. Victor Wembanyama's rise from eighth place in December's poll to fourth this month highlights the impact of injuries on the MVP race. The San Antonio Spurs star has been dominant, averaging 24.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game. Despite missing 13 games, Wembanyama is still in contention if he can stay healthy and lead the Spurs to a strong finish. His performance this season mirrors the late-season surge that Joel Embiid executed in 2022-23 to claim MVP honors. The race also features other notable players like Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Edwards, all of whom have missed

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026