Nov 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) posts up against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

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NBA MVP Race: Nikola Jokic continues to lead the MVP rankings, Luka Doncic falls out of top 10

The MVP race is heating up after another high-octane week in NBA.

The NBA season is off and running, and the MVP race picture has started to shape up. Nugget’s Nikola Jokic and Celtics’ Jayson Tatum continue to make their case strong in the MVP ladder while last season’s Western Conference MVP Luka Doncic’s recent injury has pushed him out of the top 10.

Here’s where things stand right now in the MVP race:

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is doing everything for the Thunder, averaging 28.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Even in losses, Shai has shone bright, dropping 68 points and 15 assists across two games against the Spurs and Mavericks.

While it is still early, the Thunder’s success could be the difference-maker for Shai’s MVP case.

4. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has been the Lakers’ top performer this season. The 31-year-old jumped to third after his 40-point performance against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs. However, his recent struggle against the Nuggets, scoring just 14 points on 6-of-19 shooting has pushed him down the ladder.

AD’s talent is undeniable, but consistency is key. If he can deliver big numbers night in and night out, he’ll climb back up the MVP ladder.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis has been a one-man army for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is producing 30+ points on 60% shooting in every game and is single-handedly carrying the Bucks on his back. He leads the league in 40-point games and even owns the highest-scoring quarter this season. But here’s the catch – the Bucks are stumbling, and team struggles can hurt MVP chances.

Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

2. Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is like that guy in your pickup game who does everything — and does it well. He’s posting career-best numbers and knocking down over four threes per game, putting him in Steph Curry territory. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, or playmaking, Tatum’s doing it all for the Celtics.

Boston’s success is directly tied to Tatum’s brilliance, and if he keeps this up, he’ll make a serious run for the MVP.

Also Read: Top 5 players to record 3-straight 30+ points triple-doubles ft. Nikola Jokic

1. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is putting up video game stats this season. With career-high averages of 30 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 11.3 assists, the Joker is making it look unfair. He’s also the best three-point shooter in the league right now (yes, you read that right), and he’s been involved in over 50% of Denver’s points this season.

After dropping 34 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists on the LeBron James’ Lakers, Jokic is cruising at the top of the MVP ladder.

Image Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Jayson Tatum

Luka Doncic

Nikola Jokic

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.