NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ladder Race 2024: Top 5 candidates ft. Luka Doncic (Week 23)

Luka Doncic remains at the top of our MVP Ladder Race as the 23rd week of the NBA regular season comes to a close. The superstar from the Dallas Mavericks has been dominating this season, as demonstrated by his recent 47-point performance against the impressive Houston Rockets, who were on an 11-game winning streak. This display of consistency has helped Dallas secure the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference, surpassing the New Orleans Pelicans.

Doncic not only solidified his argument for MVP, but also secured the Mavs’ spot outside of play-in contention. He scored 47 points while shooting 18-30 from the field and 9-16 from beyond the arc, all in just 35 minutes.

This week’s MVP race remains unchanged as Jayson Tatum is unable to make the cut due to the Boston Celtics’ recent losses to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite being the top team in the East, Tatum’s absence leaves Luka Doncic in the lead for the MVP title. Let’s take a look at our updated MVP list.

NBA MVP Ladder: Top Contenders for the 2024 Season

#5 Domantas Sabonis | Power Forward/Center | Sacramento Kings

• Games played last week: 3 (Won 1, Lost 2)
• Stats last week: 12.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 9.6 assists
• Stats this season: 19.6 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 8.3 rebounds

Despite a few losses, the Sacramento Kings have still been able to rely on Domantas Sabonis to consistently put up impressive stats. The center has recorded nine consecutive triple-double rebounds, helping to keep the team in contention for a spot in the playoffs.

His dominant performances on both ends of the floor have earned him a spot on our contender’s list, where he remains.

#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo | Power Forward | Milwaukee Bucks

• Games played last week: 2 (Won 0, Lost 2)
• Stats last week: 32.0 points, 17.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists
• Stats this season: 30.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists

Despite their recent losses to the Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains an essential component for the Bucks as they strive to finish the regular season strongly. Despite these setbacks, the team and their star player, known as the ‘Greek Freak’, are virtually guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Antetokounmpo’s impressive stats have put him in the running for the MVP award, along with Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic.

#3 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Rising Star Guard for the OKC Thunder

• Games played last week: 3 (Won 2, Lost 1)
• Stats last week: 24.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists
• Stats this season; 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists

Despite missing a few games last week, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive numbers and dominance keep him in the top five rankings as the OKC Thunder continue their two-game winning streak. The guard even played through an injury during their recent game against the Bucks, although it resulted in a loss for the team.

#2 Jamal Murray | Point Guard | Denver Nuggets

• Games played last week: 3 (Won 1, Lost 2)
• Stats last week: 27.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists
• Stats this season: 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists

Despite facing tough opponents in the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nikola Jokic remains a reliable source of numbers for the defending champions as they strive to secure the top seed. While they have already secured a playoff spot alongside the OKC Thunder, their ultimate goal is to finish the regular season at the top of the standings. Despite their recent losses, Jokic’s consistent performances have remained a bright spot for the team.

#1 Luka Doncic | Point Guard | Dallas Mavericks

• Games played last week: 3 (Won 3, Lost 0)
• Stats last week: 24.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 10.3 assists
• Stats this season: 33.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 9.8 assists

Despite facing tough competition, Luka Doncic’s remarkable performance has propelled the Mavericks beyond the play-in stage, securing 11 victories in 12 games. Their latest triumph against the Rockets marks their seventh consecutive win, with Doncic leading the charge.

Doncic has been producing at a phenomenal rate and is poised to compete with Nikola Jokic for the MVP title, potentially becoming the first-time winner.