As the NBA season progresses past its first full month, the MVP race is already shaping up to be fierce. Following our previous rankings where Anthony Davis led the way in the season’s first month, each contender has put their unique stamp on the season as of now and they are doing some spectacular things on the court (and on the stat sheet).
- 1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets (9-6)
- 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder (12-4)
- 3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics (14-3)
- 4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks (8-9)
- 5. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers (10-6)
- 6. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (17-1)
- 7. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8)
- 8. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks (9-8)
- 9. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors (12-4)
- 10. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns (9-7)
Nikola Jokic’s historic triple-double averages and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership in Oklahoma City, along with Jayson Tatum guiding Boston to a strong record, means the MVP field is stacked with talent. As Thanksgiving approaches, we break down the top 10 MVP candidates in order of who is the favorite for the award.
1. Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets (9-6)
Previous Ranking: 8
Season Stats: 30.3 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 11.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 4.2 TOV, 56.8% FG, 56.3% 3-PT FG, 83.5% FT
Nikola Jokic continues to redefine the center position and keeps getting better every season. Averaging a triple-double with 30.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 11.3 assists, he’s the heart and soul of the Denver Nuggets’ offense. His efficiency is otherworldly, shooting 56.8% from the field and an incredible 56.3% from three-point range, a testament to his skill and decision-making.
Jokic’s ability to orchestrate Denver’s offense makes him not only their best player but arguably their best playmaker, a rarity for a big man. Despite the Nuggets’ somewhat pedestrian record, Jokic’s contributions are undeniable. Denver’s struggles without him on the court highlight his indispensable value, and his performances this season further solidify his case as one of the all-time greats. Jokic is on pace to potentially secure his fourth MVP.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder (12-4)
Previous Ranking: 2
Season Stats: 28.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.6 TOV, 50.0% FG, 33.7% 3-PT FG, 89.6% FT
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder’s charge as a major contender in the Western Conference. With 28.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, SGA has become the driving force behind OKC’s success despite Chet Holmgren’s recent injury that will keep him out for a handful of weeks.
His shooting efficiency is solid, hitting 50% of his shots from the field and a remarkable 89.6% from the free-throw line, demonstrating his ability to score in all areas. His defensive impact, underscored by 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, adds to his well-rounded brilliance. The Thunder’s 12-4 start is a testament to SGA’s leadership and clutch play and the star’s MVP candidacy only grows stronger as the Thunder meet expectations.
3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics (14-3)
Previous Ranking: 3
Season Stats: 28.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 3.5 TOV, 44.0% FG, 36.8% 3-PT FG, 82.8% FT
Jayson Tatum has been the anchor of the second-seeded Boston Celtics, showcasing his all-around game to great effect. Averaging 28.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, Tatum has elevated his playmaking while maintaining his elite scoring ability. While his shooting percentages (44% FG, 36.8% 3PT) are slightly below his usual standard, his impact on Boston’s offensive and defensive schemes is unquestionable.
The Celtics’ dominance this season is in large part due to Tatum’s consistency and leadership. He sets the tone on both ends of the court, leading a team that is as dangerous offensively as it is stifling defensively. Tatum’s MVP case rests on Boston’s success, and if the Celtics maintain their league-best record, he will remain at the forefront of the race.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks (8-9)
Previous Ranking: N/A
Season Stats: 32.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 60.8% FG, 21.4% 3-PT FG, 60.2% FT
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to post jaw-dropping numbers with 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. His shooting efficiency is phenomenal at 60.8% from the field, though his three-point and free-throw percentages (21.4% and 60.2%, respectively) remain weak spots. Regardless, his ability to dominate inside and disrupt defensively with 1.4 blocks per game makes him a constant threat.
The Bucks’ underwhelming record is a blemish on his MVP campaign, but Giannis remains the lifeline of the team. Milwaukee’s reliance on his all-around excellence highlights his unparalleled two-way impact. If the Bucks can right the ship and climb the standings, Giannis will likely see his MVP stock rise quickly.
5. Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers (10-6)
Previous Ranking: 1
Season Stats: 30.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 2.1 TOV, 55.6% FG, 40.6% 3-PT FG, 78.1% FT
Anthony Davis is delivering one of his finest seasons, carrying the Los Angeles Lakers with averages of 30.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Davis has been a dominant force inside, shooting 55.6% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc, showcasing an expanded offensive arsenal. His defensive presence remains elite, anchoring the Lakers’ paint and often guarding the opposition’s best big men.
The Lakers’ success has largely been tied to Davis’s health and availability, a promising sign given his past struggles in that area. His MVP candidacy hinges on his ability to sustain this level of play throughout the season. Should Davis continue to dominate while keeping Los Angeles in playoff contention, he’ll solidify his place among the league’s most impactful players.
6. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers (17-1)
Previous Ranking: 5
Season Stats: 24.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.4 TOV, 45.0% FG, 41.0% 3-PT FG, 87.2% FT
Donovan Mitchell is excelling as the engine of the Cavaliers’ remarkable 17-1 start. Averaging 24.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, Mitchell has been a consistent offensive threat while providing leadership to a young roster. His three-point efficiency (41%) makes him a reliable option from deep, and his defensive improvements this season have been noteworthy.
Mitchell’s ability to perform under pressure has been key to Cleveland’s historic run (starting season 15-0), with clutch performances in big moments. The Cavs’ dominance places Mitchell in the MVP conversation, even if his raw numbers don’t rival those of other candidates. If Cleveland keeps winning at this rate, Mitchell’s name will remain firmly in the MVP discussion.
7. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8)
Previous Ranking: N/A
Season Stats: 27.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 2.7 TOV, 48.2% FG, 43.9% 3-PT FG, 84.6% FT
Anthony Edwards continues to ascend as a superstar, showcasing his dynamic scoring ability with 27.2 points per game on 48.2% shooting. His efficiency from beyond the arc (43.9%) is among the league’s best, and his 84.6% free-throw shooting highlights his growth as a reliable offensive weapon. Edwards’ defensive activity, with 1.5 steals per game, has added to his impact.
The Timberwolves’ .500 record doesn’t fully reflect Edwards’ value, as he’s consistently carried the scoring load while flashing potential as a two-way star. If Minnesota can make a playoff push, Edwards’ MVP case will gain momentum as one of the league’s premier young talents.
8. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks (9-8)
Previous Ranking: 6
Season Stats: 28.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 43.5% FG, 32.4% 3-PT FG, 78.3% FT
Luka Doncic’s brilliance continues to shine, as he’s putting up 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. His ability to control the game as a scorer and playmaker makes him the Mavericks’ focal point. Though his efficiency (43.5% FG, 32.4% 3PT) has dipped slightly, Doncic’s creativity and clutch performances remain unparalleled.
Dallas’ middling record limits Doncic’s MVP chances for now, but his ability to lift the Mavericks to wins keeps him in the conversation. As the season progresses, if Dallas can improve its standing, Doncic’s MVP case will become stronger. Of course, Doncic’s main goal will be to repeat as NBA Finalists in the Western Conference.
9. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors (12-4)
Previous Ranking: N/A
Season Stats: 22.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.6 TOV, 47.5% FG, 43.7% 3-PT FG, 95.5% FT
Stephen Curry continues to deliver for the Warriors, contributing 22 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. His efficiency from three-point range (43.7%) and the free-throw line (95.5%) are elite, underscoring his status as one of the greatest shooters in history. Curry’s leadership and steady play have helped Golden State remain competitive in a loaded Western Conference.
While his scoring numbers are slightly down, Curry’s ability to impact the game beyond scoring makes him invaluable. The Warriors’ 12-4 record reflects Curry’s consistency and adaptability with a new roster that is devoid of his Splash Brother, Klay Thompson.
10. Kevin Durant – Phoenix Suns (9-7)
Previous Ranking: 7
Season Stats: 27.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 3.3 TOV, 55.3% FG, 42.9% 3-PT FG, 83.6% FT
Kevin Durant remains a model of scoring efficiency, averaging 27.6 points on 55.3% shooting. His three-point shooting (42.9%) and free-throw efficiency (83.6%) are stellar, demonstrating his ability to score at all three levels. Durant’s 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game show he’s also contributing in other areas beyond what he does best: putting the ball in the basket.
The Suns’ uneven record underscores the challenges of integrating three All-Star offensive players simultaneously, but Durant’s brilliance keeps them afloat. The superstar forward has only appeared in nine appearances out of 16 this season, but when he has played, the Suns have looked like one of the best teams in the West (8-1 when Durant plays). We can’t disregard Durant’s impact, which is why he is still in the MVP race at this point.
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