After just one week, the NBA MVP race is already heating up, with some of the league’s brightest stars delivering strong performances. From Anthony Davis’ dominant two-way play with the Lakers to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder to an unbeaten start, the frontrunners are setting an early tone. With young guns like Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren challenging the established elite, this season’s MVP battle looks unpredictable. Here is the MVP ladder after week one.
- 1. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)
- 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)
- 3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics (4-0)
- 4. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic (3-1)
- 5. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)
- 6. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks (3-1)
- 7. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns (3-1)
- 8. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets (2-2)
- 9. Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)
- 10. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics (4-0)
1. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers (3-1)
Season Stats: 32.8 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG, 1.8 TOV, 55.0% FG, 28.6% 3-PT FG, 80.4% FT
Anthony Davis is embracing his role as the Lakers’ linchpin since LeBron James is nearly 40 years old and only posting 20.0 points per game to start the year. Davis is finally playing with the kind of focus and dominance the Lakers have been waiting for. Putting up 32.8 points and 12 boards per game while swatting away nearly three shots a night, Davis is showing he can not only carry the load but can redefine expectations. The MVP award is well within his grasp if he can maintain this intensity, especially if the Lakers stay near the top of the standings. The question for AD, as always, is durability – if he holds up, he’s more than just a contender; he’s the favorite so far.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)
Season Stats: 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 3.0 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 44.9% FG, 30.4% 3-PT FG, 89.5% FT
SGA has been nothing short of a revelation, leading a young Thunder team with poise, scoring, and defensive versatility. He’s stuffing the stat sheet in ways we don’t often see from guards – 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game are insane numbers for anyone, much less a 26-year-old. The Thunder have something special brewing and Shai’s calm, calculated game is its heart. As OKC keeps winning (most likely), he’ll be impossible to ignore as he wants to win his first MVP award after finishing runner-up to Nikola Jokic last year.
3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics (4-0)
Season Stats: 28.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 51.2% FG, 41.9% 3-PT FG, 70.0% FT
Jayson Tatum is playing like he wants to leave no doubt about his individual talent this season. With Boston sitting undefeated, he’s doing it all – scoring nearly 29 points a game, snatching rebounds, and hitting from deep at a nearly 42% clip. Tatum’s skillset and shot-making make him an easy MVP pick, but his success will hinge on keeping the Celtics rolling through the brutal Eastern Conference. He’s clearly on a mission to earn a major individual award, and the league is feeling it.
4. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic (3-1)
Season Stats: 28.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 6.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 48.0% FG, 39.1% 3-PT FG, 63.5% FT
In his third season, Paolo Banchero has stepped into the spotlight, showing he’s ready to lead Orlando back to relevancy. He’s stuffing the box score, proving that he’s as versatile as they come with 28.5 points, 9.3 boards, and 6 assists a game. Banchero’s got that unique blend of size and skill that could make him the Magic’s first MVP candidate since Dwight Howard. It may be early, but if he keeps it up, Orlando could surprise, and Paolo could be that guy.
5. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (4-0)
Season Stats: 23.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 50.0% FG, 37.5% 3-PT FG, 72.2% FT
Donovan Mitchell has always been the Cavaliers’ spark, but he’s raised his game to new heights this season with his efficient scoring and high-level defense. Cleveland is undefeated, and he’s spearheading a balanced, deep squad that looks poised for a serious run. While his stats might not pop like some other names, his impact does. Mitchell’s MVP odds will depend on the Cavs maintaining this form, but don’t be shocked if he emerges as a legitimate MVP candidate by the season’s end.
6. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks (3-1)
Season Stats: 27.7 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 36.1% FG, 30.3% 3-PT FG, 80.8% FT
Luka is putting up near-triple-double numbers, as he does. Even in a Mavericks team that is stacked with talent including Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, Luka’s brilliance shines through. With 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, he’s as vital as any player in the league. But here’s the catch: his shooting efficiency needs a bump. Luka’s MVP case is real, but only if he can keep Dallas winning consistently in a competitive West. Still, when it comes to raw talent, it’s hard to count him out and he will likely climb the MVP ladder as the weeks go by.
7. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns (3-1)
Season Stats: 29.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 53.3% FG, 45.5% 3-PT FG, 81.3% FT
Even on a loaded Suns team with a terrific Devin Booker and much-improved Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant’s been the go-to guy, putting up 29 points with lethal shooting efficiency. KD is showing that age is just a number, hitting over 53% from the field and nearly 46% from three. His MVP chances hinge on staying healthy, but if Phoenix can find some consistency with their stars, Durant has as good a shot as any of the younger names here.
8. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets (2-2)
Season Stats: 32.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 57.6% FG, 55.0% 3-PT FG, 71.4% FT
Nikola Jokic is usually in the top three MVP candidates but team record has not helped him so far. He’s casually averaging 32.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 57.6% from the field, making it look effortless despite the lack of assistance he is getting. The Nuggets may be off to a slower start, but Jokic is in fine form. As a three-time MVP, he’s shown he can handle the grind. The only thing potentially standing in his way? Voter fatigue. But if he keeps piling up numbers like this, he’ll stay right in the conversation.
9. Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0)
Season Stats: 23.7 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 4.0 BPG, 56.3% FG, 20.0% 3-PT FG, 66.7% FT
Averaging nearly 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, Chet Holmgren’s impact is undeniable, especially on defense. His high IQ and smooth touch make him look like he’s been in the league for years. MVP may be ambitious for a second-year player, but if OKC remains unbeaten, he’ll stay on the fringe of this conversation. We also expect Holmgren to be firmly in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year as well.
10. Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics (4-0)
Season Stats: 26.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 40.7% FG, 39.3% 3-PT FG, 81.8% FT
Jaylen Brown has continued to prove that he’s not just a sidekick, especially after winning Eastern Conference MVP and Finals MVP last year. His scoring punch and defensive versatility have been crucial to Boston’s early success. With 26 points and nearly 8 rebounds a game, Brown has the tools to contend if the Celtics’ dominance continues. While he may not be the go-to MVP candidate from his own team since Jayson Tatum has been on a roll, his contributions are undeniable and could keep him in the top 10 if Boston keeps rolling.
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