Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award alongside Denver's Nikola Jokic and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama. He's also a finalist for the Clutch Player of the Year award, joining Minnesota's Anthony Edwards and Denver's Jamal Murray.Chet Holmgren is a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award as well. The other two candidates are Wembanyama and Detroit's Ausar Thompson.Here's a look at the finalists for all seven awards:TAKEAWAYS: OKC Thunder flexes muscles in Game 1 rout vs Suns to start NBA Playoff runFinalists for 2025-26 NBA awardsMost Valuable PlayerShai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC ThunderNikola Jokic, Denver NuggetsVictor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursDefensive Player of the YearChet Holmgren, OKC ThunderAusar Thompson, Detroit PistonsVictor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursRookie of the YearVJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ersCooper Flagg, Dallas MavericksKon Knueppel, Charlotte HornetsMost Improved PlayerNickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta HawksDeni Avdija, Portland Trail BlazersJalen Duren, Detroit PistonsSixth Man of the YearTim Hardaway Jr., Denver NuggetsJaime Jaquez Jr., Miami HeatKeldon Johnson, San Antonio SpursClutch Player of the YearAnthony Edwards, Minnesota TimberwolvesShai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC ThunderJamal Murray, Denver NuggetsCoach of the YearJ.B.

Bickerstaff, Detroit PistonsMitch Johnson, San Antonio SpursJoe Mazzulla, Boston CelticsREQUIRED READING: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 'unfinished product' mindset fuels OKC Thunder powerhouseWhen will 2025-26 NBA awards be announced?Here's a complete list of confirmed announcement dates for the 2025-26 NBA awards. All times are Central.Monday, April 20: Defensive Player of the Year, 5 p.m. (Peacock and NBCSN)Tuesday, April 21: Clutch Player of the Year, 5 p.m. (Peacock and NBCSN)Wednesday, April 22: Sixth Man of the Year, 5 p.m. (ESPN)Thursday, April 23: Sportsmanship award, 11 a.m. (via X on @NBAPR)Friday, April 24: Most Improved Player, 5:30 p.m. (Prime)More: Chet Holmgren's path to NBA All-Star Game began with bold claim and channeled ambitionJustin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman.

Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder stars SGA, Chet Holmgren headline finalists for NBA awards