NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Shai Gilgeous Alexander (Week 12)

The NBA 2024-25 season inches closer to the halfway mark and while it's too early to call, there have been candidates primed to go the distance to win their maiden MVP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the top five with Nikola Jokic closing in. Giannis Antetokounmpo makes his way back into the fold with the Milwaukee Bucks restoring some parity to their campaign with a series of impressive performances.

Donovan Mitchell and Victor Wembanyama hold on to their spots from last week as the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs stars continue to be steady from a performance standpoint. On that note, here's a look at the updated NBA MVP rankings for Week 12.

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NBA MVP ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Shai Gilgeous Alexander (Week 12)

#5 Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers (34-5)

Donovan Mitchell - Cleveland Cavaliers

In at No. 5 is Donovan Mitchell as the guard ends his Week 12 with 27.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. The Cavs also continued their strong showing dropping just one of their three games. The loss to Indiana may have stung, with Mitchell dropping 19 points, but the Cavs are well and truly on top with Mitchell being a key cog in their successful campaign so far, making his case for his maiden NBA MVP.

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#4 Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs (19-20)

Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama's solid numbers see him hold on to a spot in the NBA MVP standings. His double-double numbers against the Denver Nuggets the week prior and his solid showing against the LA Lakers make him a legitimate contender as the Frenchman continues to dish out stellar performances. In the two losses for the Spurs, the big has been a bright spot averaging 18.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks in Week 12. He averages 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks for the season.

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#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks (22-17)

Orlando Magic v Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Getty

The Milwaukee Bucks have managed to bounce back after a string of dismal outings. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and spearheading their current two-game win streak is Giannis Antetokounmpo. 'The Greek Freak' averaged 31.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over his last four games. Knee issues have plagued him for a good chunk of the season, but the forward has been prolific for the Bucks.

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#2 Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets (24-16)

Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic continues to dish out video game numbers. The 3x NBA MVP notched up a triple-double against the Brooklyn Nets with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists. He followed it up with an 19-point, 18-rebound display in their win against the Dallas Mavericks. Jokic's staggering stats keep him in the hunt for his fourth MVP nod if he and the Nuggets can make a solid surge in the 42 remaining games.

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#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC Thunder (33-6)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder

It's not too early to say that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just might be on his way to winning his first NBA MVP honors. The 3-point metronome averaged 32.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in Week 12 as the Thunder dropped just one game to the Cavs. In the loss, SGA propped up 31 points and followed it up with 39 points in their 126-101 win over the New York Knicks.