With Nikola Jokić directing traffic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeping everyone off-balance, the Kia MVP race has been a joy to watch.
The end of March is almost upon us. Less than 10 games are remaining in the regular season for each team. There will only be one more installment of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder before we reveal who sits on the top rung.
Therefore, is it over?
To quote Yogi Berra … well, you know the quote.
Here’s what we can safely say for sure: the top three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the top three. That’s no longer up for debate. It has been that way for much of the season, so there’s no reason to prop up any artificial suspense.
Those three have dominated all season, distanced themselves from the pack and are dogged in their pursuit of greatness and their own high standards.
As for the top two, in which order … out of respect for both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić, it’s best to spend the last few weeks removing all doubt, even if those players might not see much more playing time before the playoffs.
It’s the closest MVP race in some time, as it should be. Nobody who watches basketball can say, with conviction or a straight face, that one of those two players doesn’t deserve to be MVP.
There’s no wrong choice.
But what’s the right choice?
Setting the stage this week: The Cavaliers-Pistons game on Friday will feature three players in the ladder top-10: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley of the Cavs and Cade Cunningham of the Pistons. It’s yet another chance for Cunningham to carve out of space among the game’s better players as he makes his case to be considered for All-NBA.
The stat to know: LeBron James, who checks in at five this week on the ladder, has averaged 25.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, eight assists and 53% shooting since his 40th birthday.
What they are saying: “The sustained greatness is something we’ve never seen at that position. LeBron is going against every position all the time. The guy is just amazing.” — Pacers coach Rick Carlisle on LeBron after the Lakers’ win over Indiana on Wednesday.
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: OKC has won 14 of its last 15 games and Gilgeous-Alexander is a big reason for not only that — despite sitting some games — but the Thunder’s success all season. His consistency and efficiency have remained high since opening night. The top seed in the West is a foregone conclusion.
From here: Does OKC suspect the MVP is in the bag and, therefore, rest Gilgeous-Alexander for a sprinkling of games between now and the season’s end? It’s hard to believe he has more to prove.
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists
His case: After sitting five games with a bum ankle, Jokić returned to the court Wednesday and promptly dropped a 39-point triple-double, his 30th of the year. It was so reflective of the special season he’s having and how important he is to the Nuggets, who seemed adrift without him (once again).
The chances of him ending the season averaging a triple-double, something only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook managed, rests on his teammates’ ability to hit shots and maintain his assists.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30.2 points, 12 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His case: It’s astonishing how Antetokounmpo once again should finish the season averaging a 30-point double-double. He’s making a solid case for being a top-20 player all-time and certainly top-10 of this generation.
The Bucks are being careful about his left foot and Antetokounmpo’s importance to the club (which was high to begin with) will rise after Damian Lillard’s deep vein thrombosis.
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6 assists
His case: Tatum has logged 40- and 35-point games March (and the Celtics have lost just once). They may not catch the Cavaliers for the East’s No. 1 seed, but Tatum is helping them make it interesting.
Tatum’s scoring, rebounding and assists are above his career averages in what has arguably been his best season. Perhaps a more realistic goal for Tatum than the MVP is the Finals MVP as he and the defending champion Celtics are title contenders with the postseason approaching.
5. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
Season stats: 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists
His case: This marks a return to the top-five by James as he’s still rated among the best players in the game — even at 40. His energy level doesn’t seem endangered and he had enough left in the tank to supply the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer this week in Indiana.
The Lakers can still finish third in the West — even after their big midseason trade. James remains the constant for L.A., before and after the trade.
The Next 5:
6. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
8. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
9. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; James Harden, LA Clippers; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks.
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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