NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Week 9)
Giannis Antetokounmpo takes the top spot in the NBA MVP ladder after nine weeks of scintillating action which included the NBA Cup. The 'Greek Freak' was crowned Most Valuable Player for the second edition of the tournament. The Bucks superstar takes the No.1 spot in our weekly standings, and is followed by OKC Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jayson Tatum and Karl-Anthony Towns narrowly miss the cut despite their stellar performances to help the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks surge. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks) continue to hold a place.
On that note, here's a look at our Week 9 NBA MVP standings led by Antetokounmpo.
NBA MVP ladder race 2024-25 season: Top 5 candidates ft. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Week 9)
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks (15-12) | W-L record in Week 9: 1-1
Giannis Antetokoumpo was an automatic choice for the NBA Cup MVP after leading the Bucks to be the first Eastern Conference team to win the marquee tournament. He finished with a 32-point double-double studded with 14 rebounds to help the side beat the OKC Thunder 11-102. His rich vein of form has seen Milwaukee overcome a mediocre start, and are now placed fifth in the standings.
Antetokounmpo showed no signs of slowing down in the loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, propping up 33 points and 14 rebounds. He was ruled out for the next game against the Washington Wizards with back spasms, but the Bucks have looked in great touch. If he does indeed help his team build another winning streak, Antetokounmpo can be well on his way to winning his third NBA MVP. He is averaging a league-high 32.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC Thunder: 22-5 | W-L record in Week 9: 2-0
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the top candidate in the Western Conference in the fray for his maiden NBA MVP. He showcased his scoring prowess in the two subsequent games after going down in the NBA Cup Finals against the Bucks.
He led OKC to a 105-99 win over the Orlando Magic with 35 points and chipped in with 25 points in their 104-97 win against the Miami Heat. Overall, the guard averages 30.3 points, 5.5 points, and 6.2 rebounds in 27 games.
#3 Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets: 15-11 | W-L record in Week 9: 2-1
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets continue their wobbly campaign this season with the 3x NBA MVP continuing to dish out stellar numbers. The Nuggets were led by his 34 points and 10 assists- DD2 against the Portland Trail Blazers. He followed it up with a triple-double against the New Orleans Pelicans in their OT 132 -129 win.
Jokic's slip primarily comes from the lack of wins as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games. He is second in the league in scoring with 30.9 points. The Serbian also has monster numbers with a league-high 13.6 rebounds and 9.8 assists.
#4 Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers: 25-4 | W-L record on Week 9: 3-0
Donovan Mitchell continues to lead the Cavs as they dominate the league with the best record. With just four losses in 29 games, Cleveland has been clinical, including winning all three of the Week 9 slate. They have a four-game win streak in the process.
Mitchell is in the middle of a solid scoring season himself with 23.3 points, 4.7 boards, and 4.5 assists. If he can stay consistent, the guard will be one of the key contenders staking his claim for a maiden MVP.
#5 Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks: 18-10 | W-L record in Week 9: 1-1
Luka Doncic missed out on both games in Week 9* with left heel contusion, and in his absence, the Mavericks won a contest and droppped one in their two-game regular series against the LA Clippers. However, he continues to be in the top five list of season leaders. The Slovenian is averaging 28.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists this season as he continues to find a place in our NBA MVP ladder.
*No weekly stats for Week 9 due to injury absence.