Kia NBA MVP Race: Latest MVP ladder and power rankings feat. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and more | Dec. 30, 2022-23 NBA Season

The 2022-2023 NBA MVP race experienced a major shift last week. This came as Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic did everything he could to insert himself back into the MVP discussion.

Meanwhile, there is a new No. 1 in this week’s rankings.

So on that note, here’s this week's MVP ladder.

No. 5: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo

Previous week’s MVP ranking: 1st (↓4)

Last Week: Games played - 3, Games won - 0, Games lost - 3

Overall: Games played - 29, Games won - 18, Games lost - 11

Last Week: PPG - 32.7, RPG - 14.7, APG - 5.7, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 0.0

Overall: PPG - 31.7, RPG - 11.6, APG - 5.2, SPG - 0.9, BPG - 0.9

Last Week: FG% - 47.3%, 3PT% - 11.1%, FT% - 67.5%

Overall: FG% - 53.0%, 3PT% - 24.4%, FT% - 64.4%

The Milwaukee Bucks have been reeling lately, losing four straight games, including going 0-3 over the past week. To make matters worse, three of their last four losses were to the other top seeds in the Eastern Conference (in Cleveland, Brooklyn and Boston). Following these tough losses, the Bucks have fallen to third in the East at 22-12 after previously having the best record in the league.

Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has still had some strong outings. Most notable was his 45-point, 22-rebound, seven-assist performance against Chicago. However, none of Antetokounmpo’s individual greatness translated to wins. So for now, Antetokounmpo has taken a steep fall in this week’s MVP ladder.

No. 4: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic

Previous week’s MVP ranking: N/A

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 4, Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 33, Games won - 20, Games lost - 13

Last Week: PPG - 44.3, RPG - 12.5, APG - 10.5, SPG - 2.0, BPG - 0.8

Overall: PPG - 33.7, RPG - 8.8, APG - 8.9, SPG - 1.7, BPG - 0.6

Last Week: FG% - 59.2%, 3PT% - 46.7%, FT% - 75.8%

Overall: FG% - 50.7%, 3PT% - 35.8%, FT% - 74.1%

Luka Doncic had an all-time great week last week, leading the Mavericks to a 4-0 record while averaging a 44-point triple-double. Doncic’s week was, of course, highlighted by his historic 60-point, 21-rebound triple-double versus New York on Tuesday. However, Doncic also had a 35-point triple-double as well as a near 50-point triple-double in two wins over Houston.

Following a 4-0 week, Dallas (20-16) is fifth in the Western Conference. The Mavs have also won five straight games in total since falling below .500 at 15-16. So, if the Mavs keep moving up the West standings, Doncic should once again be viewed as a real threat to take home the MVP.

No. 3: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets superstar forward Kevin Durant

Previous week’s MVP ranking: 4th (↑1)

Last Week: Games played - 3, Games won - 3, Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 34, Games won - 22, Games lost - 12

Last Week: PPG - 27.3, RPG - 10.0, APG - 6.3, SPG - 0.3, BPG - 1.0

Overall: PPG - 29.9, RPG - 6.9, APG - 5.4, SPG - 0.8, BPG - 1.5

Last Week: FG% - 51.9%, 3PT% - 44.4%, FT% - 95.2%

Overall: FG% - 56.0%, 3PT% - 37.0%, FT% - 92.8%

The Brooklyn Nets' league-best winning streak stretched to 10 games as they went 3-0, including key wins over Milwaukee and Cleveland. As a result, they now have the second-best record in the entire league at 23-12.

Brooklyn continues to be led by superstar forward Kevin Durant, who once again achieved a weekly 50/40/90 shooting split over three games last week. Durant’s week was highlighted by his 32-point, nine-rebound performance with five 3-pointers versus the Cavaliers. Overall, Durant continues to be one of the most consistent stars in the league even at the age of 34.

No. 2: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum

Previous week’s MVP ranking: 2nd (-)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 4, Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 34, Games won - 25, Games lost - 9

Last Week: PPG - 34.5, RPG - 8.5, APG - 3.8, SPG - 1.3, BPG - 0.5

Overall: PPG - 31.0, RPG - 8.1, APG - 4.0, SPG - 1.1, BPG - 0.9

Last Week: FG% - 48.4%, 3PT% - 32.5%, FT% - 84.6%

Overall: FG% - 47.3%, 3PT% - 35.4%, FT% - 85.8%

The Boston Celtics got back on track last week, going 4-0, including big wins over Milwaukee and the LA Clippers. As a result, they moved back into possession of the best record in the league at 26-10.

Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum also had a very strong week, scoring 30 or more in three of four games. Tatum’s week was highlighted by his 41-point, seven-rebound, five-assist, three-steal performance on 63.6% shooting against the Bucks. As long as Tatum continues to have big scoring nights with Boston sitting atop the league, he remains a legitimate threat to win MVP.

No. 1: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic

Previous week’s MVP ranking: 3rd (↑2)

Last Week: Games played - 4, Games won - 3, Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 31, Games won - 21, Games lost - 10

Last Week: PPG - 32.5, RPG - 9.8, APG - 10.8, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 0.5

Overall: PPG - 25.7, RPG - 10.8, APG - 9.4, SPG - 1.5, BPG - 0.6

Last Week: FG% - 62.5%, 3PT% - 28.6%, FT% - 84.8%

Overall: FG% - 61.9%, 3PT% - 32.4%, FT% - 80.6%

Many have doubted whether reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic can really win his third straight MVP. The feat was last accomplished by NBA legend Larry Bird in the 1980s. However, Jokic has slowly been building an undeniable case to achieve the accomplishment.

Jokic led Denver to a 3-1 record last week while averaging a near 33-point triple-double. This included two 40-point performances, one of which was a 41-point, 15-rebound, 15-assist triple-double on 64.0% shooting in a win over Phoenix.

Following another strong week, Jokic is close to averaging a 26-point triple-double on the season while shooting 61.9%. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are tied for first in the crowded Western Conference at 22-12.

So for now, Jokic appears to be on track to win yet another MVP.

For last week's MVP ladder, click here.