Watching Nikola Jokić orchestrate plays and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keep defenses guessing has made the Kia MVP race incredibly exciting.
As March nears its end, teams have fewer than 10 games left in the regular season, and we’re approaching the last edition of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder before the top player is announced.
So, is the race decided?
To paraphrase Yogi Berra, you know the saying…
What we can conclude is that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain in the top three spots—this has been clear for much of the season, and there’s no need for any unnecessary suspense.
These three have consistently excelled, setting themselves apart from the rest of the field as they strive for excellence according to their high standards.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 32.9 points, 5 rebounds, 6.3 assists
His case: The Thunder have won 14 of their last 15 games, and Gilgeous-Alexander is a crucial player in their success, even with some games missed. His performance has remained remarkably consistent. The top seed in the West seems assured.
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists
His case: Jokić made a strong return to action with a 39-point triple-double after missing five games. This performance underscores his importance to the Nuggets, who struggled in his absence. He may end the season averaging a triple-double, a feat accomplished by only a few players in history.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30.2 points, 12 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His case: Antetokounmpo is poised to finish the season with impressive averages, reinforcing his legacy among the all-time greats. The Bucks are managing his health carefully, which will be even more critical following Damian Lillard’s recent health issues.
The Next Contenders:
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
5. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
And additional players: Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Alperen Sengun all continue to make significant impacts on their teams while maintaining MVP considerations.
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Shaun Powell has reported on the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, check his archive here, and follow him on X here.
The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
