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Through the intense 82-game season, certain moments arise that demand our focus, resonating with significance and heightened emotions, potentially influencing outcomes as the season unfolds.
Thus, we highlight the following matchups:
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
Nuggets vs. Thunder, Monday (8 p.m. ET, NBA TV).
This weekend serves as a pivotal stop in the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder, presenting the duel fans have been anticipating. Although the Nuggets have a slim opportunity to reduce the Thunder’s substantial lead in the Western Conference, that’s not the primary focus—the Thunder could afford a weekly loss and still secure the top spot in the West.
The spotlight shines on Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. These two are in a fierce competition for the league’s most prestigious individual honor, a battle that currently feels almost like a one-on-one show.
To note, Gilgeous-Alexander occupies the top position on this week’s MVP ladder, thanks in part to registering his fourth 50-point game in the last 19 outings and his overall impressive performance this season. But what if the Nuggets manage to sweep the Thunder in these back-to-back clashes and Jokić delivers a standout performance?
Alternatively, if Gilgeous-Alexander further distances himself from Jokić with another stellar display—he’s had several this season—and solidifies OKC’s lead in the West, does that settle the MVP race?
Could a historic campaign from Nikola Jokić derail Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pursuit of MVP honors?
Both players will likely assert that the essence of these matchups is all about team success and winning, and to an extent, that’s valid. However, if pressed, they would likely acknowledge the underlying stakes in this rivalry.
Now, let’s set the scene for this week: you’re already aware of what’s at hand.
Key Stat to Remember: Gilgeous-Alexander excels on both ends of the court, leading the league in scoring while only being surpassed by Dyson Daniels of the Hawks in total steals.
What’s being said: “I was simply informing the three officials that I won’t allow them to control the game in a way that hinders Nikola Jokić with holding and impeding. That won’t be the strategy going forward against us or Nikola.” — Nuggets coach Michael Malone, just 49 seconds into the game against the Pistons after receiving a technical foul.
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 32.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists
His case: The most deliberate scorer in the game presents a nightly threat to put up 50 points. He hadn’t reached that milestone prior to this season; now he has four such games.
What stands out is Shai’s ability to score from anywhere on the court. He’s not a high-volume shooter from beyond the arc, but he must not be left unguarded. He attacks the rim, draws fouls, and excels in the mid-range, all while also being a solid defender. He embodies a complete player.
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.4 assists
His case: Averaging a triple-double, his efficiency (57% overall, 43% from beyond the arc) ranks among the best for a high-volume shooter. He’s set to finish in the top five for assists, rebounds, and steals, addressing criticisms of his defensive capabilities. His performance this season is unprecedented.
Opposing defenses have recognized his importance to the Nuggets, hence the triple-teams aimed at him, pushing him to distribute the ball and compelling his teammates to step up. How many players earn that level of respect? Just one—refer back above.
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 30.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His case: In any other season, Giannis would be a leading contender for MVP, or at least in the top two. He’s second only to Jokić in double-doubles and arguably no one is more vital to their team, given Giannis’ impact on both sides of the ball.
He ranks as the second-leading scorer and is likely to finish in the top five in rebounding by the end of the season. Among MVP candidates, he stands out as the best defender.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists
His case: Tatum averaged 28 points with a shooting rate of 47% in February, solidifying his top-five candidacy. He was pivotal in two victories over the Knicks, notching 40 points in one contest and a near triple-double in another, alongside 46 points, 16 rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks in a loss against the Cavaliers.
With the Celtics likely not catching Cleveland for the top seed in the East, it will be fascinating to see how much Tatum plays in the closing weeks of the season.
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.5 assists
His case: He made headlines this week by passing the 50,000-point mark, but his improvement this season deserves attention. And let’s put aside discussions of “doing this at 40”—LeBron’s current performance would be commendable at any age.
Ultimately, the Lakers are in the thick of the playoff battle in the West, which can be attributed significantly to LeBron’s sharp play—he has achieved three double-doubles in his last five appearances and has proved crucial during the transition from Anthony Davis to Luka Dončić.
6. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
9. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
10. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
And five more (in alphabetical order): Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Shaun Powell has been an NBA journalist for over 25 years. You can contact him via email here, access his archive here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
