Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch dominance against MVP rivals solidifies his commanding lead in this mid-March power ranking.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completely outplayed a fellow MVP candidate in a down to the wire victory over an NBA Finals contender that was ultimately decided by the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar's brilliant clutch performance.
If you immediately thought of Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible game against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, you are correct.
If you immediately thought of Gilgeous-Alexander's incredible game against Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics, you are correct.
In back to back games, the reigning MVP put on a masterclass against two players who are considered some of the biggest competition in his precise, consistent pursuit of back to back Most Valuable Player honors. The nationally televised games were marquee matchups that shined a spotlight on Gilgeous-Alexander's excellence and the possibility that he was putting an end to any MVP "race" whatsoever.
As the NBA schedule heads into the final month, here's my updated MVP rankings.
Honorable Mentions: Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards.
5. Luka Doncic. Based purely on raw numbers, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar would be a cinch for top three. But his case is cut short taking into account overall team records, defense, efficiency and his penchant for turnovers. Doncic and the Lakers have been hot lately, so a late push into finishing in the top three or four is on the table.
4. Cade Cunningham. The Detroit Pistons are going to finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham is nipping on Jokic's heels for the assists title. He's the offensive engine for a team that has as good a shot as any to come out of the East. But his overall numbers and efficiency just don't touch the top three players.
3. Nikola Jokic. As always, the Denver Nuggets' three time MVP is putting up video game numbers en route to averaging a triple double. The difference this season is Jokic's team inconsistency. While still a top two player in the world, Jokic hasn't quite been himself since coming back from a knee injury and neither have the Nuggets. Despite the numbers, his team record is double digits behind the guy at the top of this list.
2. Victor Wembanyama. On one hand, the 7'5" alien is a defensive force who impacts the game on both ends and has led the young San Antonio Spurs into a real fight for the league's top seed. On the other hand, his numbers are not in the same realm as Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic or Doncic.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Hands down, the most air tight MVP case. Nobody else comes close to Gilgeous-Alexander's combination of numbers and winning. The efficiency is off the charts. He doesn't turn the ball over. His team has more injuries than any other candidate's and yet he's still led them to the best overall record. He has outplayed and beaten Jokic three out of three times. He has more wins and every statistical advantage over Wembanyama besides rebounds and blocks. As long as he meets the games played requirement, Gilgeous-Alexander is going back to back.