Thunder Players Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren Named NBA Award Finalists

The NBA announced finalists for its seven individual end-of-season awards on Sunday. Two Oklahoma City Thunder players received selections.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award, competing against Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Gilgeous-Alexander is also a finalist for the Clutch Player of the Year award, alongside Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets.

Chet Holmgren earned a spot as a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His fellow finalists 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 Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, April 20, at 5 p.m. CT. The Clutch Player of the Year announcement follows on Tuesday, April 21, at 5 p.m. CT. The Sixth Man of the Year will be revealed on Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. CT. The Sportsmanship award will be announced on Thursday, April 23, at 11 a.m. CT. The Most Improved Player will be announced on Friday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. CT.