Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić, frontrunners in this season's tight NBA Most Valuable Player race, both turned down opportunities to pitch their candidacies after standout games. Gilgeous-Alexander laughed off the question following a 47-point performance, while Dončić said he lets his play speak for itself. Victor Wembanyama, another contender, has actively made his case.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-110 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. When reporters asked him to make his MVP case afterward, he responded with a laugh: 'No, I'm good. Thanks for asking, though. But yeah, I'm good. I let my game do the talking.' He added that MVP discussion is 'good for the league' as it generates buzz around strong players in contention. Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite at -350 odds on DraftKings sportsbook. Luka Dončić tallied 42 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' 127-113 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Asked about campaigning for MVP, Dončić said, 'I never [made a case for myself]. I'm not the one voting. But I think I've been playing pretty good, we've been winning, so that's it.' The MVP race features close competition among Gilgeous-Alexander, Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. Last week in Miami, Wembanyama argued his value, citing his status as the league's top defender—since defense comprises half the game—near-sweep of the Thunder this season and broader offensive impact. Jokić avoids self-promotion. Dončić sits at +1500 odds, with Jokić at +6000.
