OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still trails Nikola Jokic in the latest MVP ladder
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains at No. 2 in NBA.com's latest MVP ladder, which released Sunday.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three games last week for OKC (47-20), which went 2-1. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic holds the top spot.
Here's a complete look at the MVP ladder:
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Where is OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the MVP ladder?
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Last week's rankings: No. 1
Season stats: 25.9 points, 12.2 rebounds and 9.1 assists
Jokic averaged 23.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and five assists in four games last week for Denver (47-21), which went 3-1.
The Nuggets are 11-2 since the All-Star break thanks in large part to Jokic, who's looking to secure his third MVP award.
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2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
Last week's rankings: No. 2
Season stats: 30.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three games last week for OKC (47-20), which went 2-1.
Gilgeous-Alexander is the driving force for an OKC team that sits atop the Western Conference standings. It's also top five in the NBA in both offensive rating (third) and defensive rating (fifth).
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3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week's rankings: No. 3
Season stats: 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists
Giannis appeared in two of three games this past week for Milwaukee, which went 2-1. He averaged 31 points, 12 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
Milwaukee (44-24) is playing some of its best basketball under head coach Doc Rivers, and Antetokounmpo is also playing well. The two-time MVP is shooting a career-high 61.6% from the floor this season.
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4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week's rankings: No. 4
Season stats: 34.4 points, nine rebounds and 9.7 assists
Doncic averaged 28.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.7 assists in three games this past week for Dallas (39-29), which went 3-0.
Dallas (39-29) is on a five-game winning streak, and it's seventh in the Western Conference standings. No player in NBA history has won MVP on a team that's worse than a No. 6 seed, but Doncic's impressive numbers warrant consideration.
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5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last week's rankings: No. 5
Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists
Tatum averaged 30 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists in four games this past week for Boston, which went 4-0.
Boston (53-14) has the best record in the NBA by six games. It's a stacked group, and Tatum remains the head of the snake.
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The next five
6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (No. 6 last week)
7. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers (No. 7 last week)
8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (No. 9 last week)
9. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers (No. 8 last week)
10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Not ranked last week)
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still trails Nikola Jokic in MVP ladder
