NBA MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has pulled ahead of Nikola Jokic in tight race for the MVP award with limited time remaining

This season’s competition for NBA MVP is one of the most competitive in recent memory. Whether it was Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, or Joel Embiid in recent seasons, it appeared like the MVP award was already decided as the regular season came to a close. This year’s race between Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is very unpredictable.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with green up arrow and Nikola Jokic with red down arrow

Nobody doubts Jokic’s abilities. Jokic, a point guard stuck in a big man’s body, has transformed how NBA clubs use the center position. Because of how the Denver Nuggets transformed Jokic into a two-time MVP who can do a little bit of everything, players like Domantas Sabonis and Alperen Sengun have developed triple-double-type potential.

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the newcomers on the block. Many people are acquainted with Shai’s skills, since he is a two-time All-Star who will make his second straight All-NBA First squad appearance this season, but few know much about his young Thunder squad. Before the season started, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder were projected to be a fringe Western Conference play-in team. With around 15 games remaining in the season, Oklahoma City is the Western Conference’s top seed.

Whereas Gilgeous-Alexander is the better scorer, leading the league in total points scored this season, Jokic is the all-around stat-stuffer who has won this honor twice before. Voters for this year’s awards are seriously divided on who they believe should win MVP this season. This was reflected in the ClutchPoints midseason media poll.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) defends during the first half at FedExForum.

With less than four weeks remaining in the regular season, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are almost evenly matched in the race for NBA MVP. The only thing separating them is the Thunder’s half-game advantage over the Nuggets in the standings. At this moment, it’s easy to imagine that the final standings in the West will decide this prize.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) checks his eye after getting fouled by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half at Kaseya Center.

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) points to the sky following the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum.

5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on from the bench against the Washington Wizards during the second half of the game at Capital One Arena.

Just missed the cut.

6. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (ranked No. 7 last week)

7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (ranked No. 6 last week)

8. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks (ranked No. 10 last week)

9. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (ranked No. 9 last week)

10. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Not ranked last week)