As The NBA season returns from the all star break the run for the most prestigious award in basketball the MVP is starting to heat up with several outstanding players. For example the top three leaders as of now are, 2x MVP and reigning finals champion and MVP Nikola Jokic leading the way followed by Luka Dončić who is averaging the most points per game in the NBA with 34.3, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is tied for first in the Western Conference. 

Nikola Jokic: The center from the Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic has already etched his name in NBA history with his 2 straight MVPs and last year’s magnificent finals win. Jokic is almost a triple double as center which would be the first time that has happened ever and only three players to ever do it in NBA history. Jokic is averaging 26.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.3 assists on a great efficiency of 58% shooting. The Nuggets are also 3rd in the Western Conference and only 1.5 games behind from being first with a record of 42-19.  

Luka Dončić: Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic is putting up historic numbers this year averaging 34.5 points per game which leads the NBA and 8.8 assists and 9.6 rebounds, he is also shooting 49.4 percent from the field. Luka has been consistent in MVP discussions and is finally looking to put his name into the record books. The one knock for his MVP push has been where his team is, the mavericks are 8th seed in the West at this moment with a record of 34-27. The lowest seed an MVP has ever been, is 6th which was Nikola Jokic two years ago. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The young and emerging guard from the 2nd seed Oklahoma City Thunder is making a big push with his MVP case averaging 31.2 points per game which is 2nd in the league, along with 5.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists. Shai is also shooting an efficient 54.8 percent from the field. The thunder are 1st in the West with a record of 44-18 and hope to keep the 1st seed rolling into the playoffs.