The NBA is gearing up for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-25 season, with the announcement of the league's top awards just around the corner. The finalists for seven prestigious awards were revealed on April 20, 2025, showcasing the standout performances from this year. As the postseason heats up, fans are eagerly awaiting the winners of the Kia NBA Sixth Man Award, Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, and Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, all set to be announced on TNT this week.
Leading the race for the coveted Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award are three heavyweights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo. Each of these players has made a significant impact this season, and their nominations reflect their exceptional contributions to their respective teams.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a standout for the Thunder, earned his MVP finalist spot just hours after leading his team to a dominant 131-80 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. His performance throughout the regular season has been nothing short of spectacular, making him the sole Thunder representative in the MVP race. Despite the team's success, head coach Mark Daigneault was surprisingly not nominated for Coach of the Year, even after guiding the Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins.
On the other hand, Nikola Jokic's triple-double season average has placed him in the spotlight, marking only the third time in NBA history that such a feat has been achieved. His versatility and playmaking ability have been crucial for the Nuggets, who secured the fourth seed in the playoffs. Joining Jokic as a finalist for the Clutch Player of the Year award are Jalen Brunson from the New York Knicks and Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, both of whom have also had their moments in high-pressure situations this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, continues to be a force for the Bucks. His inclusion in the MVP finalist list underscores his consistent performance and leadership on the court, as he aims to reclaim the top individual honor in the league.
The finalists for the other major awards reflect a mix of emerging talent and established stars. In the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year category, Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks, and Jaylen Wells from the Memphis Grizzlies are vying for the title. Each has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, making the competition fierce.
Defensive prowess is highlighted in the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year category, where Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers are recognized for their outstanding defensive skills. Daniels is also a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, showcasing his growth this season.
When it comes to the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons, Ty Jerome of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Payton Pritchard from the Boston Celtics are in contention. Their contributions off the bench have been vital for their teams, providing scoring and stability during critical moments.
The Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year finalists—Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, and Nikola Jokic—highlight the importance of players who excel in high-stakes situations, often determining the outcomes of close games.
As for the Coach of the Year award, the finalists include Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons, and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets. Each coach has led their teams to impressive performances this season, making the decision a tough one for voters.
The full awards announcement schedule is as follows:
- Sixth Man of the Year: 6 p.m. CT Tuesday, April 22, 2025 (TNT)
- Clutch Player of the Year: 5:30 p.m. CT Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (TNT)
- Defensive Player of the Year: 5:30 p.m. CT Thursday, April 24, 2025 (TNT)
- Hustle Award: 1 p.m. CT Friday, April 25, 2025
- Most Improved Player: TBD
- Coach of the Year: TBD
- Rookie of the Year: TBD
- Most Valuable Player: TBD
As the postseason progresses, fans will be keeping a close eye on these announcements, eagerly anticipating who will take home the hardware for their outstanding efforts this season. The NBA's 2024-25 awards promise to be a thrilling conclusion to an already exciting season.
