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March is nearly here, and with it comes the conclusion of the regular season, as each team has fewer than 10 games left to play. We’ll be putting out one last edition of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder before announcing who claims the top spot.
So, is it all wrapped up?
As Yogi Berra famously said … you probably know the line.
What we can confidently assert is this: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are undoubtedly the front-runners. This trio has been established at the top for most of the season, rendering any attempt to create suspense unnecessary.
All season long, these three have excelled, separating themselves from the competition and relentlessly striving for excellence and their own ambitious benchmarks.
Regarding the order of the top two, it would be wise to consider how to eliminate any uncertainties in the final weeks, especially since both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokić may not see significant playing time before the playoff push.
This is indeed the tightest MVP race in recent memory. Anyone who follows basketball closely cannot definitively argue that either of these two players doesn’t merit the MVP title.
There’s no incorrect selection here.
But what’s the right option?
This week’s spotlight: The matchup between the Cavaliers and Pistons on Friday features three players from the MVP ladder’s top 10: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley from the Cavs, alongside Cade Cunningham of the Pistons. It’s another opportunity for Cunningham to establish himself among the league’s elite as he vies for All-NBA recognition.
A key statistic to note: LeBron James, who ranks fifth this week, has been averaging 25.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, eight assists, and shooting 53% since celebrating his 40th birthday.
Here’s what’s being said: “The sustained excellence we are witnessing is unprecedented for that position. LeBron competes against every position every game. He is just phenomenal.” — Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, reflecting on LeBron following the Lakers’ victory over Indiana on Wednesday.
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 32.9 points, 5 rebounds, 6.3 assists
His argument: The Oklahoma City Thunder have triumphed in 14 of their last 15 games, largely thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander. His impact, even during his brief absences, underscores his vital role in the Thunder’s success throughout the entire season. Their top seed in the Western Conference appears assured.
Moving forward: Could the Thunder believe the MVP title is practically theirs—which might lead them to rest Gilgeous-Alexander for a few games before the end of the season? It’s hard to see what more he has to prove.
Last week’s ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.3 assists
His argument: After missing five games due to an ankle injury, Jokić returned on Wednesday with an explosive 39-point triple-double, marking his 30th of the season. This performance underscores his extraordinary campaign and how crucial he is for the Nuggets, who looked lost without him once more.
Whether he can finish the season with an average triple-double—an achievement only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook have accomplished—will hinge on his teammates’ shooting and his assists.
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30.2 points, 12 rebounds, 5.9 assists
His argument: It’s remarkable that Antetokounmpo is poised to end the season with a 30-point double-double average again. He’s making a strong case for being among the top 20 players in history and certainly in the top 10 of this era.
The Bucks are being cautious with his left foot, and Antetokounmpo’s significance to the team (already substantial) is amplified following Damian Lillard’s diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
Last week’s ranking: No. 4
Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6 assists
His argument: Tatum has delivered 40- and 35-point performances in March (with the Celtics losing only once). While they may not overtake the Cavaliers for the top seed in the East, Tatum is keeping the race interesting.
His scoring, rebounding, and assists are all above his career averages in what many consider his finest season yet. A more attainable goal for Tatum than the MVP might be achieving Finals MVP recognition, as he and the defending champion Celtics are preparing for a title run as the postseason approaches.
Last week’s ranking: No. 8
Season stats: 24.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists
His argument: James is making a return to the top five, still regarded among the game’s elite players—even at the age of 40. His energy levels remain high, illustrated by a game-winning tip-in at the buzzer this week in Indiana.
The Lakers have the potential to secure a third-place finish in the West, even following their significant midseason trade. James remains the backbone of the team, both before and after the trade.
6. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
8. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
9. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
And five more (in alphabetical order): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; James Harden, LA Clippers; Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks.
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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for over 25 years. You can reach him via email here, view his archives here, and follow him on X.
The opinions expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
