The Kia NBA MVP chase is going down to the wire. With multiple players still in the mix for the award, keep track of the most recent performances from the top candidates before the next Kia MVP Ladder update from senior NBA writer Michael C. Wright on Friday.
Nikola Jokic
Latest MVP Ladder ranking: No. 1
The Jazz defeated the Nuggets, 118-114.
Latest performance: Jokic returned this past Saturday and posted 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 114-118 loss to the Utah Jazz. Coach Malone played Jokic for a total of 27 minutes and rested starters in the fourth quarter. With Jokic resting on Sunday, the Nuggets rebounded to beat the Kings and head into the playoffs with the West’s top seed and home-court advantage unless they run into the Bucks.
• Season stats | Video box scores
Jok no-look dime pic.twitter.com/eyPJncSp9E
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 8, 2023
Joel Embiid
Latest MVP Ladder ranking: No. 2
Joel Embiid scores 21 points against the Heat.
Latest performance: With the 76ers locked into the No. 3 seed, Philadelphia let loose the bench on Friday and again Sunday. In the game prior, Embiid and the 76ers came out flat against the Heat, routed wire-to-wire in a 129-101 loss. Limited to 30 minutes (season average: 34.7), Embiid still racked up 21 points, six rebounds and two blocks, shooting 9-for-13. Embiid finished the season with his second straight scoring title averaging 33.1 points.
• Season stats | Video box scores
…was he even looking? https://t.co/5dvw7RiXBx pic.twitter.com/OpFSdDFQWs
— NBA (@NBA) April 6, 2023
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Latest MVP Ladder ranking: No. 3
Giannis Antetokounmpo records a triple-double vs. the Wizards.
Latest performance: After the East bracket settled, the Bucks rested their starters on Friday and Sunday, making it three straight on the sideline for Antetokounmpo. He last filled the stat sheet with 28 points (9-for-16 shooting), 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 140-128 win against the Washington Wizards.
• Season stats | Video box scores
GIANNIS CHASEDOWN BLOCK!! pic.twitter.com/HYNbn1yUCo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 5, 2023
Jayson Tatum
Latest MVP Ladder ranking: No. 4
Jayson Tatum scores 15 Points in the 1st quarter vs. Toronto on Friday.
Latest performance: With the East set and the Celtics resting Sunday, Tatum last hit the floor for a half on Friday, helping to elevate the Celtics over the Raptors, 121-102. He scored 15 points in the first quarter and finished with 21 points (7-12 FGs), 3 rebounds and 4 assists against 3 turnovers. Boston was locked into the East’s No. 2 seed, and await the winners of an Atlanta-Miami matchup in the opening game of the AT&T Play-In Tournament.
• Season stats | Video box scores
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) April 7, 2023
Domantas Sabonis
Latest MVP Ladder ranking: No. 5
Domantas Sabonis poured in 14 points against the Nuggets
Latest performance: Domantas nearly posted a double-double with 14 points and 9 rebounds in just 18 minutes against the Denver Nuggets. Despite outscoring the Nuggets 43-26 in the first quarter, the Kings fell short 109-95. Coach Brown decided to rest his starters in the second half which ultimately led to the demise of Sacramento’s lead. The Kings had officially secured the third spot in the Western Conference and will clash with Pacific Division foe Golden State Warriors.
• Season stats | Video box scores
this backdoor cut >>>
@Dsabonis11 🤝 @Dozier_Kid | #BeamTeam pic.twitter.com/bTtIGmyggw— P – Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) April 9, 2023
» A new edition of the Kia MVP Ladder is released every Friday on NBA.com and the NBA App. Check out every Kia MVP Ladder this season.
