Shai Gilgeous-Alexander usurps Nikola Jokic for top spot in NBA's MVP ladder
Even though Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the betting favorite to win MVP for some time now, he continues to flip-flop with Nikola Jokic in the top two spots of the NBA's weekly MVP ladder.
This week, it was Gilgeous-Alexander's turn to sit atop. He usurped Jokic for the top spot. Both MVP candidates had a quiet week — at least for their ridiculous standards.
Gilgeous-Alexander only played in two games during this past weekend's back-to-back wins over the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks. Jokic hasn't played since the Denver Nuggets' loss to the Washington Wizards. He's been out with elbow and ankle injuries.
NBA's Shaun Powell explained why Gilgeous-Alexander edged Jokic for the top spot in this week's MVP ladder. He said his 48-point explosion amid the chaos against the Pistons that carried left a lasting impression.
"The league’s leading scorer has 12 games of 40 or more points and he makes it seem effortless. In his most recent 40-point game, he shot 17 of 26 from the floor against Detroit. He did that in 29 minutes earlier this season against Cleveland," Powell wrote. "He also added three steals in the Pistons’ game, typical of his presence at both ends."
The Oklahoma City Thunder helped Gilgeous-Alexander's case by clinching the West's first seed with three weeks left. If he wins the MVP award, team success will surely play a factor in that decision.
Also important to note that Jalen Williams was mentioned in the MVP ladder. He was among 15 players who were ranked or under consideration.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s updated MVP Ladder:
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 21, 2025
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2. Nikola Jokic
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Jayson Tatum
5. Donovan Mitchell
6. Stephen Curry
7. Cade Cunningham
8. LeBron James
9. Evan Mobley
10. Jalen Brunson
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back at the top spot in NBA's MVP ladder
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