The Western Conference semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are a matchup between the likely 2025 NBA MVP and runner-up: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds in the regular season, aiding Oklahoma City's run to a league-best 68-14 record.
Jokic, a three-time MVP award winner, had one of his best seasons statistically. His 29.6 points and 10.2 assists per game were both career highs. He also averaged 12.7 rebounds, the second most of his career.
It's the eighth time since 1990 that the top two in MVP voting have met in a playoff series. Five of those occurrences have been in the NBA Finals — and four of those included Michael Jordan. The team with the MVP winner has won five times.
Here's a look back at each NBA playoff series since 1990 that included the top two in MVP voting.
MVP: Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Runner-up: Harden, Houston Rockets
Series results: Rockets win 4-1
The last Thunder player to win the MVP award before Gilgeous-Alexander, Westbrook averaged a triple-double in the regular season en route to the award. Harden had a stellar year as well, with 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds per game.
The former teammates matched up in the first round that postseason, with the No. 3 seed Rockets winning in five games.
Westbrook averaged a whopping 37.4 points alongside 11.6 rebounds and 10.8 assists. Harden averaged 33.2 points per game himself, marking the second time a runner-up has defeated the MVP in a series since 1990.
MVP: Curry, Golden State Warriors
Runner-up: Harden, Rockets
Series results: Warriors win 4-1
Curry outdueled Harden not only to win MVP but also for a spot in the 2015 NBA
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