NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Power Rankings featuring Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and more | January 18th, 2022

No. 3: Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 2nd (↓1).

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

Overall: Games played - 43; Games won - 31; Games lost - 12.

Last Week: PPG - 19.3, APG - 6.7, RPG - 5.3

Overall: PPG - 26.3, APG - 6.0, RPG - 5.4

Last Week: 3P% - 32.0%, SPG - 1.7, FT% - 85.7%

Overall: 3P% - 38.4%, SPG - 1.4, FT% - 91.4%

Stephen Curry has fallen another spot in the MVP race, because he is struggling offensively. He is in the midst of the worst shooting stretch of his career, shooting 37%, including 34% from 3-point range, in the last 19 games. Whenever Curry's shots aren't falling, he starts to create shots for his teammates, and that can be seen in his increased assists.

The Golden State Warriors (31-12) have gone 13-10 in their last 23 games after starting 18-2. He will likely be atop the power rankings once again after his slump ends and they start winning games.

Like some of the others in the rankings, Curry is missing a key teammate. Forward Draymond Green has missed six of the past seven games, and the Warriors are 2-4 in those games. He is expected to miss another two weeks with calf soreness.

No. 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 3rd (↑1)

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

Overall: Games played - 46; Games won - 27; Games lost - 19

Last Week: PPG - 29.0, APG - 7.0, RPG - 8.0

Overall: PPG - 28.5, APG - 6.1, RPG - 11.2

Last Week: FG% - 46.3%, FT% - 81.4%, BPG - 2.0

Overall: FG% - 53.5%, FT% - 71.3%, BPG - 1.5

Giannis Antetokounmpo has maintained his productive numbers, but the Milwaukee Bucks have hit a rough patch. They have lost six of their last eight games, including back-to-back losses to the Charlotte Hornets. The Bucks have fallen to fifth in the East, and the "Greek Freak" might fall in the MVP race if they continue to rack up losses.

Jrue Holiday has been out the past six games with an ankle injury, with Milwaukee going 2-4 in that stretch.

However, as far as his personal numbers go, he is dominating the floor. The two-time MVP is averaging nearly a 30-point triple-double while also blocking two shots per game. Once mocked for his free throws, he is now amazingly shooting 81% from the charity stripe over the last few games.

No. 1: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking - 1st (-).

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2.

Overall: Games played - 43; Games won - 27; Games lost - 16.

Last Week: PPG - 19.5, APG - 5.5, RPG - 2.5

Overall: PPG - 29.3, APG - 5.8, RPG - 7.4

Last Week: FG% - 61.1%, 3P% - 66.7%, FT% - 92.9%

Overall: FG% - 52.0%, 3P% - 37.2%, FT% - 89.4%

Just like every other MVP candidate in this ranking, Kevin Durant's Brooklyn Nets are also enduring losses – losing seven of their last 11 games. The only reasons he is still leading the race are his stellar numbers and Brooklyn's 27-16 record. He leads the league in scoring with 29.3 points per game.

Plus, he shot an incredible 66.7% from 3-point range while making 61% of his shots overall in his last two games.

Unfortunately, Durant's MVP case is shaky. Kyrie Irving's return, even just for road games, will limit his numbers as another high-volume scorer will eat into his points. Durant has also suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee and is expected to miss four to six weeks, so he will, inevitably, drop in the race. Also, if the Nets keep winning despite his absence, the MVP narrative could weaken.