As the NBA Playoffs intensify, one storyline remains strangely unresolved — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, widely expected to be the 2025 NBA MVP, has yet to receive his trophy. Despite leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an impressive 68-win regular season and a deep playoff run, the league has delayed the official announcement and presentation.
This delay is raising eyebrows, especially since the Thunder are in the middle of a second-round showdown against last year’s MVP, Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. Game 5 in Oklahoma City seemed like a perfect stage for Gilgeous-Alexander to be honored in front of home fans — and front of Jokić — but that moment never came.
Missed Moment in Game 5
Speculation first started when TNT’s Ian Eagle hinted that the presentation could happen before Game 5. However, Denver-based reporter Vic Lombardi quickly shut those rumors down, confirming no such ceremony was planned. 
This is a break from recent MVP presentation timelines. In 2024, Jokić was announced as MVP on May 8 and given his trophy on May 14 in Denver. In 2023, Joel Embiid received his award just three days after the official announcement during the Sixers’ series against Boston.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the earliest potential presentation date now could be Game 7, scheduled for Sunday, May 18 — if the series reaches that point. Another option might be Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, assuming the Thunder advance.
If neither happens, Gilgeous-Alexander may not celebrate his MVP award with fans until next season — a puzzling situation for one of the league’s most prestigious honors.
What’s Behind the Delay?
With MVP voting closed on April 15, the delay isn’t due to administrative reasons. There’s no known scheduling conflict at the Thunder’s arena either.
One theory? The NBA could be holding out in hopes of creating a dramatic narrative — a “duel of the MVPs” moment in Game 7, where Jokić watches Gilgeous-Alexander receive the trophy before a potential series-deciding clash. While compelling for viewers, such a move could further fuel skepticism from fans already wary after the recent NBA Draft Lottery controversy.
Whatever the reason, the league’s handling of this situation feels unusually calculated — and leaves Thunder fans wondering if their star will ever get his moment in the spotlight this postseason.
