Thunder Players Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren Named NBA Award Finalists

Why it matters locally: The Denver Nuggets have multiple players, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Tim Hardaway Jr., named as finalists for significant NBA end-of-season awards, which is of direct interest to Colorado's basketball fans.

---

The NBA revealed the finalists for its seven individual end-of-season awards on Sunday, with two Oklahoma City Thunder players securing multiple nominations. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award, alongside Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Gilgeous-Alexander also earned a finalist spot for the Clutch Player of the Year award, joining Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Chet Holmgren is a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His fellow nominees include Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Other award finalists include: * **Rookie of the Year:** VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks), Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) * **Most Improved Player:** Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks), Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) * **Sixth Man of the Year:** Tim Hardaway Jr. (Denver Nuggets), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat), Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs) * **Coach of the Year:** J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit Pistons), Mitch Johnson (San Antonio Spurs), Joe Mazzulla (Boston Celtics) The NBA will announce the winners throughout the week. The Defensive Player of the Year will be announced Monday, April 20, followed by Clutch Player of the Year on Tuesday, April 21. Sixth Man of the Year is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, with the Sportsmanship Award on Thursday, April 23. Most Improved Player will be announced Friday, April 24.