The NBA MVP Race: A Shift in Momentum
The race for the NBA Most Valuable Player award has taken an interesting turn, with Nikola Jokic now standing at the forefront. Following Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his team suffering a defeat against San Antonio, marking their third consecutive loss to the Spurs, Jokic’s remarkable performance on Christmas Day during an overtime victory against Minnesota has propelled him ahead in the MVP chase.
Jokic’s Record-Breaking Performance
Jokic’s stunning stats include a record-breaking 56 points, along with 16 rebounds and 15 assists during the 142-138 victory, showcasing his prowess even though the Nuggets were without three of their starters. Particularly notable was Jokic’s contribution of 18 points in the overtime period, surpassing Steph Curry’s previous record of 17 points scored in the extra session during a 2016 game.
Current MVP Rankings
As the host team of this week’s NBA matchups, fans should check sites like DraftKings for up-to-date odds. Vaughn Dalzell’s Week 10 MVP rankings currently have Jokic leading with impressive averages of:
- 29.8 points (5th in the league)
- 12.1 rebounds (1st)
- 11.0 assists (1st)
Challenges for Other Contenders
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite his remarkable average of 32.1 points per game (2nd), has seen his team’s performance decline recently. The Oklahoma City Thunder have struggled, losing three out of their last four games, which has raised questions about SGA’s status as an MVP frontrunner as they continue to falter, particularly against the Spurs.
Luka Doncic from the Los Angeles Lakers remains a notable contender, averaging 33.7 points (1st), although he has missed several games in December. Despite a strong overall month, the Lakers’ offense has not been up to par, suffering through one of their worst scoring stretches recently.
On the other hand, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons has experienced a drop in MVP odds due to a slump in scoring, paired with a successful performance from his team, which is currently atop the Eastern Conference standings. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has shown impressive stats this December with averages of 30.7 points and a strong shooting percentage, helping to solidify the Knicks’ place as one of the top teams in the East.
Victor Wembanyama’s Diminished Prospects
In contrast, Victor Wembanyama’s MVP prospects have dimmed despite San Antonio’s three victories over the Thunder. Currently, sitting at 150-to-1 odds, his impact as a bench player is likely affecting his candidacy given the precedent set for MVP award winners.
Looking Ahead
As the NBA season continues, upcoming games should provide further insight into the MVP race, especially with a lengthy road trip ahead for the Nuggets. Keep an eye on streaming options via networks carrying NBA games like NBC and Peacock, which will broadcast a series of matchups weekly while offering various platforms for sports viewing.
