Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic were named MVP finalists Sunday, forming a star-studded trio that includes the reigning award winner and a three-time champion. Gilgeous-Alexander put up 31.1 points and 6.6 assists on 55% shooting to strengthen his case for a repeat, while Wembanyama averaged 25 points and 11.5 rebounds in just 29.2 minutes per game.

Jokic, a three-time MVP, delivered a historic campaign by becoming the first player to lead the NBA in both assists and rebounds while averaging 27.7 points. The Serbian center also notched a triple-double average, further cementing his place among the league's all-time greats. Wembanyama, meanwhile, is the clear favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league in blocked shots for the third consecutive season.

The award announcements begin this week. Other notable finalists include Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe for Rookie of the Year, while J.B. Bickerstaff, Mitch Johnson and Joe Mazzulla are the Coach of the Year candidates.