Why does Nikola Jokic appear to be the clear frontrunner?
Setting the stage this week, Oklahoma City’s battle for first place in the West against Denver should obviously influence the conclusion of the 2023–24 Kia MVP contest.
It most likely won’t, if the recent movement in betting markets is any clue.
Despite the fact that the Thunder and Nuggets are practically tied for first place in the Western Conference following Thursday’s games, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic remains the favorite on most betting lines, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander second.
While this appears to be a potential runaway, keep in mind that there are only 23 days left in the regular season.
What’s frustrating, however, is that these clubs will not meet again during the regular season for a final head-to-head comparison of prospects. After losing to the defending champs 128-95 on Oct. 29, the Thunder won three consecutive games over the Nuggets to claim the series.
Gilgeous-Alexander appeared in all four games, averaging 26.5 points on 44.9% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 turnovers per contest. Jokic played in three of those games, averaging 23.7 points per game (70.7% shooting), 10 rebounds per game, 8 assists per game, 1 steal per game, and 4.7 turnovers per game.
Jokic has four games this season with 35+ points and 15+ rebounds, trailing just Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has five.
They remark, “It’s always amazing to be mentioned with guys who have done amazing things.” It’s humbling because they’ve set the stage for me to simply play my game.” – Gilgeous-Alexander, after becoming the 13th player in NBA history to score at least 30 points in 50 games.
Introducing Luka Doncic, a rising star. After leading Dallas to its seventh win in eight games on Thursday, the great guard now shares third place with Antetokounmpo. Doncic gave up eight assists in a game in which the Mavs slammed 18 dunks, setting a new franchise record.
Follow our MVP rankings as they progress throughout the season.
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets.
Last week’s ranking: #1.
Season stats: 26.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg, and 9 assists.
Perhaps Jokic has eyeballs in the back of his head. As long as the 29-year-old keeps dumping triple-doubles like the one he engineered Thursday in a great win over the Knicks, he will remain so far ahead of the field that he won’t be able to see it in the rearview.
The 30-14-11 performance against New York ended the Knicks’ four-game winning streak, following a 35-point, 16-rebound performance in a tough road win against Minnesota.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
Last week’s ranking: #2.
Season stats: 30.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 6.4 APG.
On Wednesday, he extended his franchise record of 30-point games to 50 (an NBA-high), scoring 31 against Utah. The 25-year-old scored 20 of those points in the second half, helping Oklahoma City win its third straight game and 13th in its past 16 games.
The team’s upcoming road trip to Toronto, Milwaukee, and New Orleans will put them to the test as they aim to maintain their lead in the Western Conference.
T-3: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3.
Season stats: 30.7 PPG, 11.2 RPG, and 6.4 APG.
Antetokounmpo appeared to be losing ground after missing two games due to a left hamstring problem. The 29-year-old returned Thursday and helped Milwaukee win 115-108 against Brooklyn.
He had 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the win. But the Bucks are now riding the hot hand of Damian Lillard, who has averaged 31 points and 11.3 assists in the team’s last three games.
T-3: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks.
Last week’s ranking: #4.
Season stats: 34.1 PPG, 9 RPG, and 9.8 APG.
Doncic’s performance in San Antonio against the NBA’s 28th-ranked defense resulted in an ugly triple-double, possibly the worst of the season. The 25-year-old consistently does well in terms of winning.
Doncic’s 34 points and nine rebounds against Utah helped Dallas climb to sixth place in the Western Conference. He simply needs to continue his momentum. Doncic only needs four more 30-5-5 games to tie Oscar Robertson for the most such performances in a single season.
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics.
Last week’s ranking: No. 5.
Season stats: 27.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 4.9 APG.
His case: The crafty 25-year-old put up two 30-point games this week to bring his total to 25, which is tied for sixth in the NBA. Tatum scored 23 points in Wednesday’s first half against a Bucks team without Antetokounmpo.
Tatum has the lowest usage percentage among the top five MVP candidates (29.6%), trailing only Jokic (28.7%). Nonetheless, he played a significant role in Boston’s double-digit East advantage.
