Nikola Jokic Dominates MVP Ladder Again, While LeBron James Stealthily Climbs into Top 5

Jokić’s Dominance: The Making of a Three-Time MVP?

It’s fitting in more ways than one to say that Jokić has passed Gilgeous-Alexander—both in the MVP rankings and with his elite playmaking skills that have propelled the Denver Nuggets to a dominant stretch. His 19-assist game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday was nothing short of historic, proving yet again why he is one of the most dominant and unselfish superstars in the league.

Jokić’s impact goes beyond just passing. Earlier this season, he was carrying the scoring load for Denver, but with teammates like Jamal Murray finally rounding into form, Jokić has shifted his focus back to playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility. His all-around game has made this season arguably his best yet.  The highly anticipated back-to-back showdowns between the Nuggets and Thunder on March 9-10 could have major implications—not only for the Western Conference standings but also for the MVP leaderboard.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder still leading the Western Conference, the battle between Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander is far from over. Their highly anticipated back-to-back matchups on March 9-10 could be pivotal in deciding the MVP rankings and the race for the top seed in the West.

Key Matchups That Could Shape the MVP Race

Another crucial game is set for Friday night in Boston, where the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics. With Jayson Tatum currently ranked No. 3 in the MVP race, this game presents an opportunity for him to strengthen his case as a serious contender.  Another crucial battle looms on Friday night in Boston, as the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers face off against the Boston Celtics. With Jayson Tatum currently ranked No. 3, this game provides a golden opportunity for him to bolster his MVP case against a fellow contender, Donovan Mitchell.

Meanwhile, LeBron James’ remarkable consistency has pushed him into the Top 5 of the MVP ladder. Even at 40 years old, James continues to defy expectations, averaging 26 points, eight assists, and nearly eight rebounds while shooting a stellar 54% from the field.

NBA Experts Weigh in on Jokić’s MVP Case

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was full of praise for Jokić after his 19-assist performance:
“The most remarkable thing is not just the 19 assists, but the satisfaction and joy that Nikola gets from making his teammates better. He’d be happy getting 19 assists, no points, and us winning than any other superstar that I’ve ever come across. And that speaks to who he is.”

Current Kia MVP Ladder Standings

1. Nikola Jokić – Denver Nuggets

• Last ranking: No. 2

• Season stats: 29.2 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 10.4 APG

• MVP Case: Jokić’s triple-double dominance continues—he already has 27 triple-doubles this season, surpassing any of his previous MVP-winning campaigns. His 32-point triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday further solidifies his case.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

• Last ranking: No. 1

• Season stats: 32.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.2 APG

• MVP Case: Efficiency at its finest—Gilgeous-Alexander has 20 games with 35+ points while maintaining elite shooting percentages. His 50-point performance against the Phoenix Suns showcased his ability to dominate even the toughest defenses.

3. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics

• Last ranking: No. 4

• Season stats: 26.6 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 5.8 APG

• MVP Case: Tatum’s playmaking evolution has been a game-changer, with 33 assists in his last four games. His 40-point explosion against the Knicks and another near-triple-double against them highlight his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks

• Last ranking: No. 3

• Season stats: 30.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.8 APG

• MVP Case: A defensive powerhouse and scoring machine, Giannis remains the league’s second-leading scorer. His best performance in February—23 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists in a win over Miami—showed his all-around brilliance. However, his limited games played this month could impact his MVP standing.

5. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers

• Last ranking: No. 6

• Season stats: 24.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.7 APG

• MVP Case: Even at 40 years old, LeBron continues to defy Father Time. He’s shooting 55% from the field and 43% from three over the last two weeks. His standout games include 42 points against the Warriors, 17 rebounds, and eight assists—proving he remains one of the most impactful players in the league.

The Next Five in the MVP Race

6. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves

7. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers

8. Karl-Anthony Towns – New York Knicks

9. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

10. Jaren Jackson Jr. – Memphis Grizzlies

Honorable Mentions (Alphabetical Order):

• Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors

• Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers

• Domantas Sabonis – Sacramento Kings

• Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets

• Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks

What’s Next in the MVP Race?

With just six weeks remaining in the NBA season, the battle for the Kia MVP award is intensifying. The upcoming Nuggets vs. Thunder doubleheader in March could be the defining moment of this race. Other contenders like Tatum, Giannis, and LeBron still have time to make a final push.

Will Jokić maintain his grip on the top spot, or will Gilgeous-Alexander reclaim No. 1 in this thrilling MVP showdown? Stay tuned for more updates as the season reaches its climax!

With just six weeks remaining in the NBA season, the battle for the Kia MVP award is at its most competitive point yet. The upcoming Nuggets vs. Thunder showdowns in March could determine whether Jokić solidifies his top spot or Gilgeous-Alexander reclaims No. 1. Meanwhile, Tatum, Giannis, and LeBron remain in the hunt, each looking for a late-season push to climb higher in the standings.

Will Jokić maintain his grip on the MVP race, or will another contender rise to challenge him? Keep an eye on the season’s final stretch as these superstars battle for the league’s most prestigious award!