OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is second in latest MVP ladder after slow week
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to trail Denver's Nikola Jokic in NBA.com's MVP ladder, which updated Saturday.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 22 points, 5.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in three games last week for OKC (49-21), which went 2-1.
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: 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and nine assists
Jokic played in two of the three games this past week for Denver (50-21) which went 3-0. He averaged 32.5 points, 15 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
Denver is now the top team in the Western Conference standings, and Jokic remains the favorite to secure his third MVP.
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2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder
Last week's rankings: No. 2
Season stats: 30.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 22 points, 5.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in three games last week for OKC (49-21), which went 2-1.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a dip in scoring and efficiency this past week, and OKC slipped to second in the West. It's not a good combination for Gilgeous-Alexander, who's running out of time to catch up with Jokic in the MVP race.
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3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week's rankings: No. 3
Season stats: 30.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists
Antetokounmpo played in two of the three games this past week for Milwaukee (46-25), which went 2-1. He averaged 25.5 points, 14 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Antetokounmpo has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. Still, the 11th-year forward continues to stuff the stat sheet with hopes of winning his third MVP.
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4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week's rankings: No. 4
Season stats: 34.1 points, nine rebounds and 9.8 assists
Doncic averaged 26 points, 12 assists and 9.5 rebounds in two games last week for Dallas (41-29), which went 2-0.
Doncic erupted for 18 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds in a road win over San Antonio on Tuesday. It marked the 25-year-old guard's 18th triple-double this season, which ranks third in the NBA and is a franchise record.
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5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Last week's rankings: No. 5
Season stats: 27.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists
Tatum played in two of the four games this past week for Boston (57-14), which went 4-0. He averaged 28.5 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Tatum missed time due to an ankle injury, but that didn't slow down the Celtics. As long as Boston remains the top team in the league, Tatum will receive MVP consideration.
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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. 8 last week)
9. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (No. 10 last week)
10. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (not ranked last week)
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains second in NBA MVP ladder
