Breaking News: Mike Breen Slams NBA After Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins MVP Over Jokić, Giannis
In a surprising turn of events, ESPN’s lead NBA commentator, Mike Breen, has publicly criticized the NBA’s MVP voting process following Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 2025 MVP win over Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Breen expressed his belief that Jokić, who secured his third MVP in four seasons with 79 first-place votes and 926 total points, was the rightful recipient of the award. Gilgeous-Alexander finished second with 15 first-place votes and 640 points, while Antetokounmpo, who was not a finalist for the first time since 2020-21, placed fourth with 196 points.
Despite Breen’s criticism, Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional performance during the season, including leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 68–14 record and averaging 32.8 points per game, was widely acknowledged. His achievements were further recognized with a unanimous selection to the All-NBA First Team.
The debate over the MVP award highlights the complexities and varying perspectives within the NBA community regarding player performance and voting criteria.
Mike Breen’s Critique of the MVP Voting Process
Mike Breen’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about the MVP voting process. While Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual achievements were commendable, Breen and others argue that Jokić’s consistent excellence over multiple seasons should have earned him the award. This situation underscores the challenges in evaluating player impact and determining the most valuable player in a league with numerous standout performances.
The Case for Nikola Jokić
Nikola Jokić’s performance during the 2024-25 season was nothing short of historic. He posted a 30-20-20 game, a stat line never before seen in NBA history, showcasing his all-around dominance. Additionally, he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most assists by a center, further solidifying his case for the MVP award.
Jokić’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets—scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—demonstrates his unique skill set and value to the Denver Nuggets. His performances often transcend traditional statistical categories, highlighting his holistic approach to the game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Breakout Season
On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder was marked by remarkable individual and team success. Averaging 32.8 points per game, he led the league in scoring and propelled the Thunder to a 68–14 record, the best in the NBA. His leadership and consistent performance were instrumental in the team’s success, earning him widespread recognition.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to prominence reflects his development into one of the league’s premier talents. His ability to perform under pressure and elevate his team’s play has made him a fan favorite and a deserving MVP candidate.
The International Influence on the MVP Race
The 2024-25 MVP race also highlighted the increasing influence of international players in the NBA. For the first time in the award’s history, the top four MVP vote-getters were all international players: Jokić (Serbia), Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Luka Dončić (Slovenia), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece).
This trend underscores the global nature of the NBA and the diverse talent pool contributing to the league’s success. The international presence in the MVP race reflects the growing impact of players from outside the United States on the game’s highest honors.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 NBA MVP race was one of the most contentious in recent memory, with standout performances from multiple candidates. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season was deserving of recognition, Nikola Jokić’s historic achievements and consistent excellence over multiple seasons present a compelling argument for his case. Mike Breen’s criticism of the MVP voting process highlights the complexities involved in evaluating player impact and determining the league’s most valuable player.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding MVP voting will likely persist, reflecting the league’s dynamic nature and the diverse talents of its players.
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