NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Luka Doncic (Week 7)   

Luka Doncic makes his way back to MVP contention as the NBA 2024-25 edition ends Week 7. The Slovenian's return sees the Dallas Mavericks chart a seven-game winning streak. The MVP ladder sees a shakeup with Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum slipping a few rungs. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continue to surge as they lead their respective teams with consistent performances.

The composite list sees the likes of Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks) miss out despite being among the top performers for the week. On that note, here's a look at the updated Week 7 NBA MVP rankings with SGA leading the pack.

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NBA MVP ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Luka Doncic (Week 7)

#5 Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics: 19-5 | W-L record in Week 7: 3-1

Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum's shooting seems to have cooled off in Week 7. The forward scored 25.5 points compared to the previous week's 29.3 points per game. The dip hasn't impacted the Boston Celtics much as they continue to take second place in the East.

Week 7 stats	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	3P%
Jayson Tatum	25.5	10.5	5.5	0.5	0.3	41.6	29.3

The minor blip was the 127-121 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. Tatum had 13 rebounds and tied with Ja Morant for most assists in the game (9) but struggled on offense with 17 points on 6-21 shooting from the field and a forgettable 1-10 from the deep. Tatum averages 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists as continues to make his case for NBA MVP this season.

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#4 Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets: 11-10 | W-L record in Week 7: 2-2

Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets

Despite propping up absurd videogame numbers, Nikola Jokic has not seen much success with the Denver Nuggets dropping two of their four games in Week 7. 'The Joker' led the scoring pack with a whopping 42.3 points including a 48-point masterclass in their 141-111 decimation of the Atlanta Hawks. The staggering statline also included 14 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.

Week 7 Stats	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	3P%
Nikola Jokic	42.3	15.0	8.3	3.0	0.3	56.4	50.0

This season, Jokic has been averaging 31.4 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 10.3 assists on 56.1% shooting from the field, and a more-than-healthy 50.6% from the deep. The numbers may have checked off one of the key factors for the NBA MVP, but the losses have pulled the big down the pecking order.

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#3 Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks: 16-8 | W-L record in Week 7: 3-0

Luka Doncic - Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic has been on a tear since his return from injury. The Slovenian guard returned for the Mavericks with a bang dropping 37 points in their 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He followed it up with 25 and 37 points respectively in the following games against the Washington Wizards and the Toronto Raptors. His return saw the Mavs string together a seven-game winning streak — the longest in the league at the time of writing.

Week 7 Stats	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	3P%
Luka Doncic	29.3	11.7	8.3	3.3	0.7	45.8	43.8

Doncic has missed six games so far, but has been stacking up healthy numbers to make his NBA MVP case, averaging 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 45.0% shooting from the field. He is draining 34.8% of his 3s and is 76.6% from the charity stripe.

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#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks: 12-11 | W-L record in Week 7: 1-2

Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks

If not for the two losses in Week 7, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have taken the top spot after his penchant for big numbers continued. The 'Greek Freak blitzed three 30+ point performances that included one triple-double and two double-doubles. Despite the two-game skid, they sit fifth in the East.

Week 7 stats	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	3P%
Giannis Antetokounmpo	30.8	10.4	4.5	0.5	1.0	62.5	0.0

Antetokounmpo continues to be in the NBA MVP reckoning with his impressive two-way play on both ends of the floor. That he shouldered the offense sans Khris Middleton who is just two games into the season keeps him at the No. 2 spot.

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#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC Thunder: 18-5 | W-L record in Week 7: 3-0

Shai Gilgeous- Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's consecutive 30-point games see him climb up the rungs as the OKC Thunder continue their good run in the West. They are back to winning ways and are on a three-game W streak after their loss to the Houston Rockets. The guard has been mercurial for the Thunder with his consistency and lethal scoring.

Week 7 stats	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG%	3P%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	29.0	4.0	5.3	1.7	0.7	54.2	21.1

SGA continues to be a prime NBA MVP contender this season. He has yet to miss a game for OKC this season and is averaging 29.8 points per game on 50.8% shooting and 32.6% from downtown. His overall trey-ball shooting, however, could use work.