Shai Gilgeous Alexander Tops Wembanyama In Final MVP Straw Poll

With just over a week left in the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heavy favorite to repeat as MVP after ESPN’s final straw poll. He drew "88 out of a possible 100 first-place votes" and 958 points, well ahead of Victor Wembanyama. Shai’s .664 true shooting, 31.6 points per game and leading Oklahoma City toward the best record give voters a clear narrative of efficiency and team impact. Merlin sees the ballot logic at work. Wembanyama brings elite defense and a plus-17.4 net rating, but voters are prioritizing Shai’s offensive dominance and team success. The poll has correctly forecast the winner five years running, so unless an injury or late surge arrives, the league looks set to coronate the Thunder star again.