The 2024-25 NBA season is in full swing and the race for the MVP award has already begun.
Here are the 2024-25 MVP Power Rankings for Week 3:
5. Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks: 4-3
Last season, Luka Doncic’s herculean efforts in the postseason propelled the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. While he’s averaging fewer points, rebounds, and assists than last season, Doncic is still one of the league’s most dynamic offensive forces. Although he’s been relatively inefficient, Doncic is still averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on a team learning to incorporate Klay Thompson.
Beautiful pass & finish 🤌 pic.twitter.com/z9Eu0v5kAC
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 30, 2024
4. Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers: 4-3
When Anthony Davis entered the NBA, fans were flummoxed by his absurd skill level. Davis quickly redefined the position, ushering in a new wave of centers that dominate the league today. Over the years, however, Anthony Davis has slowly begun to cater his skill set to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team captained by the most versatile player in NBA history. His three-point attempts have slowly declined year after year, focusing his efforts on attacking the rim and playing elite defense. Davis is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but he’s also currently leading the league in scoring, averaging 32.6 points and shooting 57.1 percent from the field.
With Davis, the question is always sustainability. Last season, Davis miraculously played 76 games, the most of his entire career. Before then, he hadn’t played 75 games since the 2017-18 season. If Davis can stay on the floor and the Lakers continue their winning ways, then Davis will assuredly be in contention.
3. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets: 4-3
Nikola Jokic is seeking his fourth MVP award in five years, an extraordinary feat that’s only been accomplished by Bill Russell and LeBron James. Jokic is already off to a raucous start, currently ranked fifth or higher in points, assists, and rebounds per game. The big man’s biggest obstacle will be his own team, who have been plagued by the sharp decline of Jamal Murray and one of the league’s worst benches. If the Denver Nuggets have any playoff aspirations, they will be determined by Nikola Jokic’s level of excellence.
Nikola Jokić FIRES the inbounds pass to MPJ for 3 🔥
EARLY 2Q triple-double watch with 7 PTS / 7 AST / 6 REB on NBA League Pass!
📲 https://t.co/UIAqO5iSCp pic.twitter.com/GS0WFu342q
— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2024
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City Thunder: 7-0
The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the best overall record in the NBA. Much of their success can be attributed to their ace, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander has become the most multifarious scorer in the NBA, able to react and counter any defensive scheme or rotation. While his three-point shooting leaves much to be desired, his perimeter defense, scoring acumen, and facilitating are top-notch. If the Thunder can continue to lead the West, then I have little doubt that Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to dominate the MVP conversation.
😮💨 pic.twitter.com/8v8TmO3QmJ
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 5, 2024
1. Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics: 7-1
After a tumultuous summer in France, Jayson Tatum’s revenge tour has officially begun.
For the past six months, Tatum was plagued by a noticeable mechanical hitch in his shooting form. This resulted in his lackluster performance in last season’s playoffs and his restricted minutes in the Olympic games. Tatum worked diligently this offseason to eliminate the aforementioned hitch, which has paid dividends for the Boston Celtics’ ace.
Despite playing alongside other competent scorers like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard, and Jaylen Brown, Tatum has led the league’s No. 1 offense in dominant fashion, averaging 30 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Tatum has emerged as the most dynamic three-level scorer in the NBA, as well as one of its most well-rounded forwards.
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