Mar 3, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after he is fouled by Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (not pictured) on a drive to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. The Celtics won 115-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Ex-Boston Celtics Star Isaiah Thomas Questions NBA's MVP Decision

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 16, 2025 5:51 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are currently in the middle of a second-round playoff series.

Ironically, the two frontrunners for the 2025 MVP Award are Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder).

Via Underdog NBA: "2024-2025 MVP finalists:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic
Giannis Antetokounmpo"

2024-2025 MVP finalists:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Nikola Jokic
Giannis Antetokounmpo
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 20, 2025

With Game 7 of the series on Sunday, many people have questioned why the award has yet to be announced.

One person who sent out a post former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas.

He wrote: "I liked when they would announce mvp during the 1st rd! What’s the hold up now?"

I liked when they would announce mvp during the 1st rd! What’s the hold up now?
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 16, 2025

A lot of people commented on his post.

@wilsonchandler: "Me too. Think they killed that after Dirk lost to Golden State in the 1st round after winning MVP"

@Travonne: "good advertising to keep the fan interested"

@KCJ_Swish: "Facts. This may end up backfiring now"

@Notasalad: "They're waiting for who wins between the two candidates... jokic beats SGA he'll win mvp"

@SeattleFanGZ: "Waiting to see who wins Game 7 "

It's worth noting that the playoffs have no impact on the MVP voting, as the award is strictly based on regular season performance.

Via Sam Quinn of CBS Sports: "I think the NBA messed up big by not awarding the MVP already, ideally before like Game 2 of Round 2.

If SGA loses Game 7 now he has the uncomfortable Dirk moment of getting MVP after being eliminated. That’s not great marketing for a really important star moving forward."

I think the NBA messed up big by not awarding the MVP already, ideally before like Game 2 of Round 2.

If SGA loses Game 7 now he has the uncomfortable Dirk moment of getting MVP after being eliminated. That’s not great marketing for a really important star moving forward.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 16, 2025

Game 7 will be on Sunday afternoon in Oklahoma.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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