NBA MVP rankings: Luka Doncic's late-season push challenges leader
To win the NBA MVP award, you must finish strongly. If a player fades in the final weeks of the season, his chances of capturing the league's most prestigious individual trophy are slim to none.
That might be the case for Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose overall season profile is still MVP-like, but even so his recent dip in stats (27.6% 3PT shooting in March) might keep him from his first MVP award.
Here's how the award ladder shakes out in the waning days of the regular season:
(Statistics and records are through Thursday games.)
1. Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets (53-24)
Season stats: 26.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, nine assists per game, 57.9% FG
Jokic doesn't lead the league in any major statistical categories, but his efficiency numbers and advanced statistics are as stunning as ever.
Jokic is the epitome of value. Without him, Denver would be a lottery team. With him, the reigning champion Nuggets are second in the West and favorites to advance to another NBA Finals. Jokic is in complete control at all times, a true master of the sport.
One of the best offensive players we have seen should bring home his third MVP award, joining a highly exclusive club of players who have won the award multiple times. He has given us plenty of MVP moments this season, including this insane buzzer-beater against Golden State.
2. Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks (46-30)
Season stats: 33.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.5 steals per game, 38.2 % 3PT
He probably won't win, but Doncic has played sensationally all season and is perhaps closer to Jokic than the public is giving him credit.
Doncis is shooting better than ever, leading the league in usage rate. Plus, he ranks second in the NBA in assists and is helping Dallas charge up the Western Conference standings late in the season – the Mavericks are 20-7 since Feb. 3 and might move all the way to fourth if they stay hot through the finish line.
Remember: Doncic also scored 73 points in January. Seventy-three!
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder (52-24)
Season stats: 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.1 steals per game, 53.9% FG
SGA's unbelievable scoring efficiency is understandably the most talked about part of his game, but don't overlook the fact that he's leading the league in steals. He is thriving on defense, becoming a big cog in OKC's fantastic unit.
As noted, his shooting has cratered from deep recently, causing him to fall on MVP lists, but expect him to be a mainstay in these discussions for a long time. SGA is here to stay.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks (47-29)
Season stats: 30.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks per game, 61.3% FG
Unless he craters, Antetokounmpo will become the first player in NBA history to average 30 points and shoot at least 60% from the field.
Even in an era where scoring numbers are often inflated, a record like that deserves serious props. Antetokounmpo is dominant and would be in the running for his third MVP if Milwaukee were a bit more consistent.
5. Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics (60-16)
Season stats: 27.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists per game, 38% 3PT
Tatum is a distant fifth here but deserves recognition for being the best player on the league's best team.
Boston will likely run through the Eastern Conference in the playoffs, with Tatum leading the charge. He's shooting the three-ball better than he has in a few seasons and is seventh in the league in scoring.
It's a great season for Tatum, but his fine supporting cast may weaken his MVP case.
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