On March 8, 2025, Nikola Jokić made history as the first NBA player to record a triple-double with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists.
Since the last edition of the Kia MVP Ladder on March 7, 2025, Nikola Jokić achieved an incredible 30-20-20 game, then faced an elbow injury in a close loss to Oklahoma City on March 9, before bouncing back with a strong performance against the same team for a win on March 10.
In the meantime, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took a day off to prepare for a televised matchup against Jokić. He excelled in a game against the Nuggets, struggled in the next match against Jokić, but then triumphed in Boston against the defending champions.
This intense competition for the MVP title remains closely contested. While some voters may feel one player is ahead, the reality is both players deserve recognition for their outstanding seasons. Currently, Jokić holds the top position on the ladder, having played through his injury without taking a game off.
This Week’s Highlights: Gilgeous-Alexander will face Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, who remains at No. 3 on the Ladder. The MVP race predominantly features Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander, although Antetokounmpo has an opportunity to assert his case further.
Key Stat: Jokić has achieved 29 triple-doubles this season, a remarkable feat compared to the combined total of 26 by the next three highest players in this regard.
Quote: “I haven’t seen one player play Shai one-on-one and stop him. Not one. He can get anywhere he wants to go.” — Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 2
Season Stats: 29 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.4 assists
His Case: Jokić continues to rank among the top three in scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals, an unprecedented achievement as the regular season closes in. As his coach states, Jokić is performing at a level never seen before, highlighting his best season yet.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 1
Season Stats: 32.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists
His Case: Though not projected to finish as the steals leader, Gilgeous-Alexander could be the scoring leader and is a strong talent on both ends of the floor. OKC has secured a playoff spot, continuously securing victories against good teams.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 3
Season Stats: 30.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His Case: Despite managing a calf injury, Antetokounmpo endures a stellar season, ranking second in scoring and among the top rebounders. His upcoming match against Gilgeous-Alexander holds significance for the Bucks’ standing in the East.
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 4
Season Stats: 27.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His Case: Tatum stands as the fourth leading scorer in the league and has maintained an impressive average since the All-Star break. His all-around performance places the Celtics in a commanding position in the Eastern Conference.
5. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 7
Season Stats: 24.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists
His Case: Mitchell has been a key player for the Cavaliers, who boast the best record in the league. As the standout leader and player, he may manage his playing time strategically as they prepare for the playoffs.
The Next 5
6. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
7. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
8. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
9. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
10. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Plus five more (alphabetically): Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for over 25 years. You can email him here, find his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
