NBA MVP 2026: Wembanyama Passes Jokic and Puts Pressure on Shai

The race for the NBA MVP award seemed destined to remain a private battle between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic – two of the season’s dominant figures, both in individual production and team success.

In recent weeks, however, a third name has forcefully entered the conversation: Victor Wembanyama.

The San Antonio Spurs big man, standing over 7-foot-3, with an increasingly complete impact on both ends of the floor, has rapidly climbed the Kia MVP Ladder, reaching second place. A leap that changes the narrative of the season: from a duel to a three-man race for the NBA MVP.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the reference in the MVP race

Right now, the leader of the standings remains Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the driving force behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and a symbol of elite-level consistency.

The Canadian star recently reached a historic milestone: a streak of consecutive 20-point games, surpassing a record previously held by Wilt Chamberlain. A result that perfectly captures the nature of his season.

Even Nikola Jokic, in a recent interview, highlighted the achievement of his rival:

I don’t think people understand how hard it is. Scoring 20 points for ten straight games is special, imagine doing it for that long. He’s a special player

Nikola Jokic

As if that weren’t enough, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to decide games in key moments: 35 points with the game-winning three against the Denver Nuggets and another dominant fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics are just the latest examples of an NBA MVP-caliber season.

Victor Wembanyama: the rise reshaping the race

The most significant development, however, involves Victor Wembanyama, now firmly among the main candidates.

The Spurs phenom is experiencing one of the best stretches of his season:

• 28 points per game in March
• 11 rebounds
• Over 4 blocks per game

Numbers that only partially describe his impact. Wembanyama is also among the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, leading the NBA in blocks and dominating the paint.

His growth has also been evident against high-level opponents. Among the most impressive performances:

• 38 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks against Detroit
• 39 points and 11 rebounds against Boston

Meanwhile, the Spurs keep winning: since the end of January they have lost just one game with Wembanyama on the floor.

San Antonio’s coaching staff has carefully managed his minutes throughout the season to preserve him physically. Now, with the regular season finale approaching, the plan seems clear: fully unleash the French star’s talent.

Nikola Jokic still chasing a fourth MVP

Behind Wembanyama is still Nikola Jokic, who continues to produce a historic season.

The Denver Nuggets superstar could become the first player in NBA history to finish a season leading the league in both rebounds and assists per game.

To regain the edge in the MVP race, however, Denver will need to improve its standing in the Western Conference, because team success remains a key factor in the final evaluation.

The other names in the MVP Ladder

Right behind the leading trio are several other major names from this NBA season.

Luka Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to lead the league in scoring with 32.5 points per game, while also showing a growing impact as a playmaker.

Then there’s Cade Cunningham, the leader of the Detroit Pistons and among the league’s best assist leaders with 10 per game, a central figure in the team’s surprising first place in the Eastern Conference.

Top 10 of the Kia MVP Ladder

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Victor Wembanyama
3. Nikola Jokic
4. Luka Dončić
5. Cade Cunningham
6. Donovan Mitchell
7. Jaylen Brown
8. Anthony Edwards
9. Kawhi Leonard
10. Jalen Johnson

A final sprint to watch closely

With the end of the season approaching and the 65-game eligibility rule for the MVP award, the race seems destined to remain wide open.

For months, the narrative centered on a duel between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. Now, however, the rise of Victor Wembanyama has changed the landscape.

If his recent performances continue, the 2026 NBA MVP race could fully transform into a three-man sprint.

And with stars of this caliber, the finish promises plenty of drama.