The MVP race has officially shifted into high gear, and you can feel the intensity across the league. January basketball is where things start to crystallize-narratives tighten, durability comes into sharper focus, and the stars who rise now are the ones who shape the season’s legacy.
This year's MVP chase? It’s as crowded and competitive as we’ve seen in a while.
We’re talking about generational talents trading highlight-reel performances week after week, with momentum swinging fast and often.
Availability is playing a bigger role than ever. So is two-way impact.
Winning matters, but make no mistake-individual brilliance is still front and center. Some stars are carrying the weight without their usual co-stars.
Others are climbing simply because they’ve been flat-out unstoppable. And with the All-Star break looming, the margin for error is razor thin.
One injury, one hot streak, one signature night under the lights-that’s all it takes to shake up the MVP ladder.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest top 10 in the MVP power rankings:
10. Jamal Murray - Denver Nuggets
Murray is making a late push into the conversation. His scoring touch is back, and he’s finding a rhythm as a secondary creator behind Nikola Jokić.
When he’s healthy and aggressive, Denver’s offense hums at a different frequency. His presence has helped steady the ship, and if he keeps trending upward, he could climb higher.
9. Jalen Brunson - New York Knicks
Brunson’s evolution into a bona fide star continues. He’s become the heartbeat of the Knicks’ offense, mixing craft, control, and clutch shot-making.
What’s impressive is how he’s elevated his game without needing volume to do it. His efficiency and leadership have kept New York in the thick of the Eastern race.
8. Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey’s breakout year isn’t slowing down. He’s stepped into a lead role and delivered with poise and explosiveness.
His speed puts constant pressure on defenses, and his playmaking has taken a leap. Even with Joel Embiid as the focal point, Maxey’s emergence has been critical for Philly’s success.
7. Anthony Edwards - Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards is the engine behind Minnesota’s rise. He’s defending at a high level, scoring with confidence, and embracing the spotlight.
The Wolves have been one of the league’s best defensive teams, and Edwards’ buy-in on that end has been a big reason why. His offensive growth-particularly as a closer-has made him a legitimate MVP dark horse.
6. Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
Cunningham has been a steady force in a challenging season for Detroit. He’s showing why he was a top pick-crafty with the ball, unselfish, and unshaken under pressure.
His numbers are strong, but it’s his poise and leadership that stand out. If the Pistons can string together some wins, his case gets even more interesting.
5. Jaylen Brown - Boston Celtics
Brown has been carrying Boston through some turbulence, and he hasn’t flinched. He’s averaging 28.2 points and 6.1 assists, doing it without another All-Star beside him.
Defenses are loading up, but Brown’s downhill pressure and improved playmaking have kept the Celtics in the playoff mix. He’s getting to the line at a career-high rate, and his shot selection has matured.
The big question now is sustainability-if he can keep this up and Boston holds its ground in the East, Brown’s MVP case stays alive.
4. Victor Wembanyama - San Antonio Spurs
Minutes restriction or not, Wembanyama’s impact is already outrageous. He’s putting up elite numbers across scoring, rebounding, and rim protection-all while flirting with absurd efficiency.
His presence alone warps defenses and erases shots at the rim. The Spurs are winning, and Wemby’s per-minute production stacks up with anyone in the league.
If his workload ticks up even slightly, his ceiling gets scary. This is no ordinary second-year leap-this is something the league hasn’t seen before.
3. Luka Dončić - Dallas Mavericks
Dončić is in full control. He’s averaging 33.4 points, 8.8 assists, and leading the league in scoring.
But it’s not just volume-it’s how he’s doing it. He’s dictating pace, punishing mismatches, and making defenses pay for every mistake.
This is one of the most complete offensive seasons of his career, with efficiency and playmaking both peaking. The Mavericks’ record will ultimately shape his MVP case, but individually, Luka is on a tear.
2. Nikola Jokić - Denver Nuggets
Injury may have paused his momentum, but it hasn’t dulled his impact. Before going down, Jokić was flirting with a triple-double average and running Denver’s offense with surgical precision.
The Nuggets staying afloat without him only underscores his value. Once he’s back, a dominant stretch could flip the race all over again.
His vision, touch, and control remain unmatched-health is the only thing in his way.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder
This is Shai’s moment. He’s putting up 31.9 points per game on elite efficiency, playing strong defense, and leading the Thunder to the top of the West.
He’s not chasing stats-he’s closing games early and setting the tone on both ends. His consistency has been nothing short of surgical, and he’s doing it despite lineup changes around him.
Right now, the MVP power rankings belong to SGA-and he’s earned every bit of it.
With the All-Star break approaching and playoff positioning on the line, the MVP race is far from settled. But one thing’s clear: the margin is thin, the stakes are high, and the stars are rising.