The results are in, and this week Nikola Jokic has been relegated as No. 1 in the Kia Racing MVP rankings this season. Perhaps the only significant move up the ladder was Kevin Durant moving up to third.
Durant finished in the top 3 of this tournament for the first time, proving once again that age will not be a hindrance to his dream of getting his hands on the Michael Jordan trophy. That said, the last time a 35-year-old won the MVP was 24 years ago, when Karl Malone did it in 1998-99. Durant is 34, and the oldest competitor in the top 5.
Jokic, on the other hand, remains atop his undefeated stats (25.2 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 9.5 apg). Second-place Jayson Tatum has a higher points-per-game average (30.7), but his assists per game (4.2) lag significantly behind.
Can Jokic pull off the MVP 3-PEAT? 🏆🏆🏆@Kia MVP ladder: https://t.co/37pxSFXuIh pic.twitter.com/WGBbwqLKbw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 6, 2023
Here’s this week’s Top 10 Kia race to the MVP ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (Last week’s ranking: No. 1)
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics (Last week’s ranking: No. 2)
3. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets (Last week’s ranking: No. 4)
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (last week’s ranking: No. 3)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Last week’s ranking: No. 5)
6. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Last week’s ranking: No. 6)
T-7 Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (last week’s ranking: No. 8)
T-7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers (Last week’s ranking: No. 10)
9. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics (last week’s ranking: No. 9)
10. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Last week’s ranking: No. 7)
If you’re looking to bet, here are the current odds according to BetOnline.ag:
1. Luka Doncic +290
2. Nikola Jokic+325
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo +375
4. Jayson Tatum +400
5. Kevin Durant +750
6. Joel Embiid +900
7. I Morant + 3300
8. Donovan Mitchell + 3300
9. Steph Curry +5000
10. I am Pascal +10000
