As the NBA prepares to announce its 2025 MVP, check out the stats of the top two contenders from league's Western Conference.

The last time an American-born player walked away with the top honor was James Harden in 2018. The run of international players winning MVP -- Gilgeous-Alexander is from Canada -- speaks to the expanding global reach of the NBA and the increased number of talent outside of the United States.

In the third quarter of the Timberwolves’ Game 1 loss to Oklahoma City, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tried to drive right past his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Shai fell down, and the official called a foul on Nickeil.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had an elite regular season. Despite his Milwaukee Bucks dealing with a plethora of injuries throughout the season, Antetokounmpo stepped up, shouldering the majority of the load for his squad.

Nikola Jokic’s season-ending injury sets the stage for a historic NBA milestone — seven unique champions crowned in seven consecutive years, highlighting the league’s growing unpredictability.

While Nikola Jokic missed out on his fourth MVP award on Wednesday, he still made some NBA history. By finishing second in the voting, the Nuggets center became the first player since Celtics great Larry Bird to finish top two in the MVP voting for five consecutive seasons,