Ian CasselberryContributing writerSun, April 19, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC·1 min readThe NBA started announcing the the three finalists for each of its end-of-season awards on Sunday, beginning with Defensive Player of the Year.
Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgran and Ausar Thompson are the finalists.
The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year.Chet HolmgrenAusar ThompsonVictor Wembanyama pic.twitter.com/C4cMnh1WFu
Deni Avija, Jalen. Duren and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are the finalists for Most Improved Player.
The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Most Improved Player.Nickeil Alexander-WalkerDeni AvdijaJalen Duren pic.twitter.com/cN0ydFsgNK
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray are the finalists for Clutch Player of the Year.
The 2025-26 Finalists for Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year.Anthony EdwardsShai Gilgeous-AlexanderJamal Murray pic.twitter.com/yLXEPZ3gan
Finalists for the rest of the league’s individual end-of-season awards have yet to be announced.
Performance awards will be recognized in seven categories, headlined by NBA MVP.
The other six major awards are Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year. The winners for individual honors will be announced throughout the next month during the NBA playoffs.
Check out how Yahoo Sports NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor filled out his 2026 awards ballot.