The NBA 2026 award season is already an explosive one, and no one expected Keldon Johnson to be in the mix. The San Antonio Spurs’ rising star has quietly made a name for himself — and it's not just because he's a young force on the court, but also because of his growing role in this year's MVP race.
Keldon Johnson: The Spur’s Rising Star
Keldon Johnson has always been a talented player, but his recent performances have shot him into the spotlight. The 2026 season saw Johnson take a massive leap forward, becoming a pivotal player for the Spurs. Johnson's clutch performances, particularly in high-stakes games, have made him a standout candidate for the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year award, a testament to his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Johnson’s rise is not just about his individual statistics but also about his impact on the team. His defensive prowess and versatile skill set have been crucial for the Spurs, making him a valuable asset both on offense and defense. The Spurs’ ability to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference is partly due to Johnson’s contributions.
Think again. At 24, he is one of the youngest players to be considered for such high-profile awards, a testament to his rapid development and hard work.
The MVP Contenders: OKC Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The biggest story of the 2026 season so far has been the continued dominance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Leading the pack for the MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the league in clutch points with 175 — a staggering number over the final five minutes in regulation or overtime when the score is within five points.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP candidacy is bolstered by his team's performance, which has been a mix of traditional and unexpected factors. The Thunder’s ability to maintain their position in the West despite a challenging schedule has been remarkable, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership has been a key factor.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama are the top three contenders for the MVP award, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama being the only ones from Western Conference teams that have shown significant progress this season. Jokic, the reigning MVP, remains a formidable opponent, but the competition is fierce.
Nobody saw this coming.
The Role of the Clutch Player of the Year Award
As the NBA prepares to announce the Clutch Player of the Year award on April 23, Keldon Johnson is poised to make history. The Clutch Player of the Year award is a relatively new addition to the NBA’s list of prestigious accolades and is designed to highlight players who excel in high-pressure situations. Johnson’s candidacy for this award underscores his importance to the Spurs, who have relied on his clutch performances to secure key victories.
For Johnson, the MVP race is a different beast altogether. The MVP award is traditionally given to the player who has had the most significant impact on their team’s success throughout the season. While Johnson’s individual performances have been outstanding, the MVP race is often more about team success than individual statistics.
Gone. The MVP award is one that recognizes the most valuable player in the NBA, and the competition for this award is always intense. The MVP race continues to be a tightly contested battle, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Wembanyama all vying for the top spot.
The MVP race is a test of endurance, skill, and leadership, and the final outcome will be determined by the players' performances in the final stretch of the season.
“The NBA's MVP race is always a thrilling spectacle, and this year is no exception. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the pack, the competition is fierce, and Keldon Johnson’s emergence as a clutch player is a fascinating subplot. It’s going to be an exciting finish to the season.”— Steve Aschburner, NBA correspondent.
Keldon Johnson is poised to make a significant impact on the MVP race, but the competition is fierce. The NBA awards season is always a thrilling spectacle, and this year is no exception. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the pack, the competition is fierce, and Johnson's emergence as a clutch player is a fascinating subplot.
As the NBA season draws to a close, one question lingers: Will Keldon Johnson's clutch performances be enough to secure him a place in the MVP conversation? Or will the race be dominated by the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama, leaving Johnson to shine in the Clutch Player of the Year spotlight?
