The MVP race is heating up, but at the top, it’s starting to feel like déjà vu. Two names-Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-are creating serious separation from the rest of the field.
And while the ladder hasn’t shifted much at the top, there’s a new face cracking the top five. Let’s break down where things stand in the latest Ballislife NBA MVP Ladder.
1. Nikola Jokić - Denver Nuggets
Right now, Nikola Jokić isn’t just leading the MVP race-he’s redefining what dominance looks like in the modern NBA. The three-time MVP is in the middle of a stretch that might be the most absurd of his already decorated career.
Since December 5, he’s dropped at least 35 points in three of Denver’s last four games, including a 39-point triple-double (15 boards, 10 dimes) against the Rockets. That’s not just stuffing the stat sheet-that’s bending the game to his will.
And it’s not just about the numbers. The Nuggets are rolling, winners of six straight and seven of their last eight.
Jokić followed up his 39-point masterpiece with a casual 23-point triple-double in a blowout win over Orlando. The synergy between his individual brilliance and the team’s momentum is undeniable.
He’s making the extraordinary look routine, and the gap between him and the rest of the league is starting to widen-again.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Oklahoma City Thunder
If there’s anyone keeping pace with Jokić, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder may have stumbled in the NBA Cup semis against the Spurs, but they bounced back in emphatic fashion-blowing out the Clippers by 21.
SGA poured in 32 points that night… and didn’t even play the fourth quarter. Again.
That’s been the story of his season. He already has 20 games with 30+ points, and he’s only needed the fourth quarter in 13 of OKC’s 27 games. That’s efficiency and dominance at a level we rarely see.
At 25-2, the Thunder are flirting with historic territory. If they stay on this pace, they could challenge the Warriors’ all-time regular season win record.
And if that happens, SGA’s MVP case becomes nearly bulletproof. But with Jokić doing Jokić things, this race is shaping up to be an all-timer-just like last season.
3. Luka Dončić - Los Angeles Lakers
In almost any other season, Luka Dončić would be the clear MVP front-runner. He’s averaging 34.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game-video game numbers that would headline any other MVP race. But in this particular season, he’s sitting in third, quietly putting up historic production while the spotlight shines elsewhere.
Still, Luka remains the heartbeat of a Lakers team that’s asking him to be everything. LeBron, now 40, and Austin Reaves, entering his prime, are leaning on Dončić to be the engine, the closer, and the leader.
And he’s delivering. Even through a rough patch, it’s clear he’s in peak physical form, and when he’s locked in, there might not be a more unguardable player in the league.
His recent 45-point, 10-assist, 5-steal performance is a reminder that he’s not just putting up numbers-he’s making history in purple and gold.
4. Cade Cunningham - Detroit Pistons
Detroit might not have the hardware from the NBA Cup, but they’ve got something just as valuable: a franchise cornerstone who’s blossoming into an MVP-level talent. Cade Cunningham has taken the leap from All-Star to elite, and he’s doing it on both ends of the floor.
Over the last few weeks, Cunningham has led the Pistons to four straight wins, including a 32-point, 10-assist gem against the Celtics. But it’s not just his offense turning heads. He’s been a defensive force too-holding opponents to just 40.8% shooting as the primary defender, tops in the league among players with 300+ defended field goal attempts.
That two-way dominance is rare, especially from a lead guard. And it’s why Detroit, long stuck in rebuild mode, suddenly looks like a legitimate threat in the East.
5. Tyrese Maxey - Philadelphia 76ers
The fifth spot in the MVP race has been a revolving door all season, but Tyrese Maxey just kicked it down. With Joel Embiid still working his way back from injury setbacks, Maxey has stepped into the lead role-and he’s thriving.
He’s averaging 31.5 points (third in the league) and 7.4 assists (ninth), and he’s doing it with a confidence and consistency that screams “superstar.” The Sixers are 14-11 and very much in the playoff mix, and that’s largely because Maxey has embraced the pressure and elevated his game.
Even when Embiid is on the floor, Maxey’s been the guy driving the offense. He’s not just filling in-he’s taking over. And if he keeps this up, Philly might have found its next franchise centerpiece.
Final Thoughts
Jokić and SGA are setting a pace that feels almost untouchable, but the MVP race is far from over. Luka’s brilliance, Cade’s two-way impact, and Maxey’s breakout campaign are all worthy of serious attention.
With so much talent at the top and storylines unfolding across the league, this year’s MVP chase is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Buckle up-it’s going to be a wild ride.