Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo finalists for NBA MVP honors
The finalists for the other awards were also announced
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Nikola Jokic is a finalist to win a second straight NBA MVP award, along with two-time winner Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
The NBA unveiled the top-three finishers in voting for its individual awards Sunday, with the expected names in the running for the marquee award.
Jokic, the Denver Nuggets center, ended Antetokounmpo's two-year reign last season and was every bit as good this season. Embiid, hoping to join them in the MVP club, led the NBA in scoring.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in San Francisco, Saturday, April 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The winners of the awards will be announced during the postseason.
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The other finalists are:
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mikal Bridges (Phoenix), Rudy Gobert (Utah), Marcus Smart (Boston).
COACH OF THE YEAR
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Taylor Jenkins (Memphis), Erik Spoelstra (Miami), Monty Williams (Phoenix).
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Darius Garland (Cleveland), Ja Morant (Memphis), Dejounte Murray (San Antonio).
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Scottie Barnes (Toronto), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Evan Mobley (Cleveland).
SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Tyler Herro (Miami), Cam Johnson (Phoenix), Kevin Love (Cleveland).