Kia NBA MVP Race: December 20th, 2021 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda

As the NBA season marches on, there's been no shortage of intriguing storylines.

In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors (24-5) and Phoenix Suns (24-6) have the two best records in the league. In the Eastern Conference, a number of teams have cemented themselves as playoff contenders, with the Brooklyn Nets (21-9) on top of the standings.

A number of superstars have also stood out. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to be the frontrunners for the MVP award.

Let's take a look at this week's updated MVP Power Rankings by Sportskeeda.

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No. 5: Chris Paul

Phoenix Suns superstar guard Chris Paul

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - #5

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 29; Games won - 24; Games lost - 5

Last Week: PPG - 14.8, APG - 9.3, RPG - 4.3

Overall: PPG - 14.4, APG - 10.1, RPG - 4.0

Last Week: FG% - 52.0%, 3P% - 37.5%, SPG - 2.3

Overall: FG% - 48.6%, 3P% - 33.7%, SPG - 2.0

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA. One of the major reasons why, has been the impressive play of veteran point guard Chris Paul lately. With fellow superstar Devin Booker out for seven games until returning Sunday, Paul has taken control as the engine for the Suns.

The Suns have won eight of their past ten games, and Paul has been magnificent. In his last week, Paul averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. The Suns are on a three-game winning streak, have won 23 of 25 and will have a Christmas showdown at home against challenging Golden State.

No. 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - #3

Last Week: Games played - 1; Games won - 0; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 26; Games won - 17; Games lost - 9

Last Week: PPG - 20.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 8.0

Overall: PPG - 27.0, APG - 5.8, RPG - 11.6

Last Week: FG% - 50.0, SPG - 1.0, BPG - 0.0

Overall: FG% - 52.9%, SPG - 1.1, BPG - 1.6

The Milwaukee Bucks (19-13) have risen to fourth in the Eastern Conference. Superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has powered Milwaukee the entire time. The versatile forward has been dominant on both sides of the floor, showcasing his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways.

After a 20-point performance last week against the Boston Celtics, Antetokounmpo had to enter the league's health and safety protocols, and it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined.

When Antetokounmpo has been on the floor, he's been a terrifying force. The forward averages 27.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. The Bucks would like to have Antetokounmpo back as soon as possible. They will face the Houston Rockets this week as they attempt to snap their current two-game losing streak.

No. 3: Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets superstar big man Nikola Jokic

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - #4

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 24; Games won - 14; Games lost - 10

Last Week: PPG - 25.0, APG - 9.0, RPG - 13.0

Overall: PPG - 26.3, APG - 7.5, RPG - 13.5

Last Week: FG% - 66.7%, 3P% - 50.0, SPG - 2.3

Overall: FG% - 59.0, 3P% - 38.1, SPG - 1.3

The Denver Nuggets (15-14) are sixth in the Western Conference, and they wouldn't be in that spot without Nikola Jokic. With Jamal Murry and Michael Porter Jr. sidelined, Jokic has been a fortress. The Nuggets went 1-4 in games he missed last month. The team has won six of its last ten games and finds itself just half a game behind the LA Clippers for fifth place in the West.

Always the superstar, Jokic averaged 25.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 66.7% from the field in his last week of games. Although plenty of attention has been paid to Curry and Durant for the MVP conversation, Jokic has had to be the most valuable player for Denver to be a game above .500.

No. 2: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry in pregame warmups

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - #1

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 28; Games won - 23; Games lost - 5

Last Week: PPG - 26.0, APG - 4.3, RPG - 4.7

Overall: PPG - 27.0, APG - 6.1, RPG - 5.5

Last Week: FG% - 40.0%, 3P% - 34.9, SPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 43.0%, 3P% - 39.8, SPG - 1.6

The Golden State Warriors are just half a game behind Phoenix for the best record in the league. Superstar guard Stephen Curry continues to amaze fans, and he's been one of the favorites for the MVP award all along.

Curry is a popular choice for the award due to his play and his team's success. In his last week, Curry averaged 26.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 40.0% from the field. After being in first place in last week's MVP power rankings, Curry drops down to second.

No. 1: Kevin Durant

Brooklyn Nets superstar forward Kevin Durant

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - #2

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 2; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 23; Games won - 16; Games lost - 7

Last Week: PPG - 34.0, APG - 9.5, RPG - 12.0

Overall: PPG - 29.7, APG - 5.9, RPG - 7.9

Last Week: FG% - 47.2%, 3P% - 36.4%, BPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 52.3%, 3P% - 38.2%, BPG - 0.9

After finding himself second in last week's power rankings, Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant takes over the top spot. It looks as if the race could be a back-and-forth affair between Durant and Curry. Both have been brilliant to lead their teams near the top of the standings in their conferences.

Durant has started to see his game kick into another gear and his production last week was too impressive to ignore. In his last week, the forward averaged 34.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.2%.

Brooklyn has won seven of its last ten games, and Durant has been the key to that success. As of now, Durant looks to be heating up in the MVP discussion.