Victor Wembanyama builds MVP case as Spurs clinch division, end playoff drought

Chris Broussard unveils his NBA MVP Ballot this week, featuring Jaylen Brown, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swept the regular-season and NBA Finals MVP awards last year en route to his first championship.

While Gilgeous-Alexander is having another strong season that has put him back in MVP discussions for 2025-26, Victor Wembanyama believes there should be a clear-cut favorite for the award.

Wembanyama scored 26 points in Monday’s win over the Miami Heat, helping the Spurs clinch a division title and end a six-season playoff drought, then declaring that he would silence any MVP debate.

"I have thought about it," the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year said. "I think right now, there is a debate. There should be, even though I think I should lead the race. I'm trying to make sure that at the end of the season, there's no debate."

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center on Oct. 15, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Images)

Wembanyama enters Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots per game.

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While those numbers help bolster Wembanyama’s MVP case, others can make a case as well. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, is also considered a top candidate.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles the ball during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California,