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With just over two weeks left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the MVP race is heating up.
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the pack in NBA.com's latest MVP ladder, which released Friday. But the top spot is far from secured with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic still in the mix.
Here's a complete look at the MVP ladder.
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander channels Michael Jordan Bulls after setting OKC Thunder win record
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games this week, and OKC went 3-0.
The Thunder (61-12) has set a franchise record for the most wins in a regular season thanks in large part to Gilgeous-Alexander. He leads the NBA in points per game and is looking to become the first OKC player to win MVP since Russell Westbrook in 2017.
More: OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads NBA in autograph signing as well as scoring
After missing five straight games due to left ankle impingement, Jokic returned during Denver's 127-117 home win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. He recorded his 30th triple-double of the season with a stat line of 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Jokic has won MVP in three of the last four seasons. The last player to win four MVPs in a five-year span was LeBron James (2009-13).
More: Why OKC Thunder guard Adam Flagler isn't afraid to shoot his shot: 'Just a silent killer'
Antetokounmpo's lone appearance this week came in Milwaukee's 108-106 road loss to Phoenix on Monday. He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists but has since missed time due to a sprained left foot.
Antetokounmpo is averaging over 30 points for the third straight season. It has been another dominant campaign by the 30-year-old forward, who has two MVP trophies in 2019 and 2020 under his belt.
More: NBA's 70-win club, SGA's MVP chase and 10 things to watch in OKC Thunder's final 10 games
Tatum averaged 27.5 points, eight rebounds and 8.5 assists in two games this week, and Boston went 2-0. He has since missed time due to a sprained left ankle.
Tatum continues to be the best player on the reigning champion Celtics. And even though his shooting efficiency has dipped slightly, he's averaging a career-high six assists.
More: Thunder roars past Grizzlies for OKC-record 61st win as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 37
James averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and 8.7 assists in three games this week, and Los Angeles went 1-2. He sank a game-winning tip-in against Indiana on Wednesday.
The Lakers have climbed to fourth in the Western Conference standings thanks in part to James, who's still playing great basketball at age 40. The oldest player to ever win MVP was 35-year-old Karl Malone in 1999.
More: Why OKC Thunder assistant Mike Wilks is 'a better coach' thanks to son Isaiah | Mussatto
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA MVP ladder: Where OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks
Continue reading...
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the pack in NBA.com's latest MVP ladder, which released Friday. But the top spot is far from secured with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic still in the mix.
Here's a complete look at the MVP ladder.
More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander channels Michael Jordan Bulls after setting OKC Thunder win record
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
- Last week's ranking: No. 1
- Season stats: 32.9 points, 5 rebounds and 6.3 assists
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three games this week, and OKC went 3-0.
The Thunder (61-12) has set a franchise record for the most wins in a regular season thanks in large part to Gilgeous-Alexander. He leads the NBA in points per game and is looking to become the first OKC player to win MVP since Russell Westbrook in 2017.
More: OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads NBA in autograph signing as well as scoring
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Last week's ranking: No. 2
- Season stats: 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists
After missing five straight games due to left ankle impingement, Jokic returned during Denver's 127-117 home win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. He recorded his 30th triple-double of the season with a stat line of 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Jokic has won MVP in three of the last four seasons. The last player to win four MVPs in a five-year span was LeBron James (2009-13).
More: Why OKC Thunder guard Adam Flagler isn't afraid to shoot his shot: 'Just a silent killer'
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- Last week's ranking: No. 3
- Season stats: 30.2 points, 12 rebounds and 5.9 assists
Antetokounmpo's lone appearance this week came in Milwaukee's 108-106 road loss to Phoenix on Monday. He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists but has since missed time due to a sprained left foot.
Antetokounmpo is averaging over 30 points for the third straight season. It has been another dominant campaign by the 30-year-old forward, who has two MVP trophies in 2019 and 2020 under his belt.
More: NBA's 70-win club, SGA's MVP chase and 10 things to watch in OKC Thunder's final 10 games
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Last week's ranking: No. 4
- Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6 assists
Tatum averaged 27.5 points, eight rebounds and 8.5 assists in two games this week, and Boston went 2-0. He has since missed time due to a sprained left ankle.
Tatum continues to be the best player on the reigning champion Celtics. And even though his shooting efficiency has dipped slightly, he's averaging a career-high six assists.
More: Thunder roars past Grizzlies for OKC-record 61st win as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 37
5. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
- Last week's ranking: No. 8
- Season stats: 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.5 assists
James averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and 8.7 assists in three games this week, and Los Angeles went 1-2. He sank a game-winning tip-in against Indiana on Wednesday.
The Lakers have climbed to fourth in the Western Conference standings thanks in part to James, who's still playing great basketball at age 40. The oldest player to ever win MVP was 35-year-old Karl Malone in 1999.
More: Why OKC Thunder assistant Mike Wilks is 'a better coach' thanks to son Isaiah | Mussatto
The next five
- 6. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 5 last week)
- 7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (No. 6 last week)
- 8. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (No. 7 last week)
- 9. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 9 last week)
- 10. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (Not ranked last week)
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NBA MVP ladder: Where OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks
Continue reading...
