NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Power Rankings featuring Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and more | January 3rd, 2022

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors

#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic
Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 4th (↑1)

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 4; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 38; Games won - 25; Games lost - 13

Last Week: PPG - 33.0, APG - 6.5, RPG - 11.5

Overall: PPG - 27.8, APG - 5.9, RPG - 11.6

Last Week: FG% - 58.5, BPG - 1.3, SPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 53.7, BPG - 1.5, SPG - 1.1.

Giannis Antetokounmpo might win another NBA MVP trophy this season. He is putting up historic numbers, and has shown no signs of slowing down.

He recently recorded his 27th career triple double, his second of the season, against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Milwaukee Bucks are back in the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of several players.

The Greek Freak is putting up a DPOY-caliber season, and could add another feather to his already-illustrious cap. Basketball-Reference purely uses numbers and statistics to analyze the NBA MVP race; its tracker has given a 30% chance (1st) for Giannis Antetokounmpo to win the award.


#2 Kevin Durant

Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets
Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets

Previous week’s NBA MVP Power Ranking - 2nd (-)

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

Overall: Games played - 34; Games won - 23; Games lost - 11

Last Week: PPG - 30.5, APG - 3.5, RPG - 7.5

Overall: PPG - 29.8, APG - 5.7, RPG - 7.9

Last Week: FG% - 50.0%, FT% - 72.7%, BPG - 1.0

Overall: FG% - 52.2%, FT% - 87.7%, BPG - 0.9.

Kevin Durant's three-point shooting has suddenly tanked this season. From averaging 45% from downtown last season, he is now shooting at 37% from that range.

He is still leading the league in scoring, though, and might win his fifth scoring title this season. Durant's NBA MVP case might take a hit when Kyrie Irving returns, as he will no longer be solely responsible for the Brooklyn Nets' wins.

The narrative has always been that one player cannot be the MVP when he has two teammates averaging over 20 points a game.

Nevertheless, Durant is still performing at an extremely high level despite suffering an Achilles injury two years ago. That's an injury that has ended many players' careers over the years.

The Brooklyn Nets are the second seed in the East, and are the current conference favorites, despite the Bucks being the reigning NBA champions.


#1 Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry during a Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz game
Stephen Curry during a Golden State Warriors vs Utah Jazz game

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

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

Overall: Games played - 35; Games won - 28; Games lost - 7

Last Week: PPG - 32.5, APG - 5.8, RPG - 4.5

Overall: PPG - 27.7, APG - 6.0, RPG - 5.3

Last Week: 3P% - 42.9, SPG - 1.3

Overall: 3P% - 40.0, SPG - 1.5.

It is difficult to argue against Stephen Curry's NBA MVP case right now. He is leading the Golden State Warriors to the best record in the NBA, and is averaging the third-highest points per game (27.7) this season.

The Warriors have missed key players all season, but have still managed to grab wins against top teams. They are coming off a statement win against the healthy Utah Jazz, despite missing DPOY-favorite Draymond Green.

Like most MVPs, Curry has been extremely clutch for the Warriors this season, sinking game-tying, go-ahead and game-winning shots.

He recently surpassed Ray Allen for the most three-pointers in NBA history. and also broke his own record of most consecutive games with threes made. Curry has the NBA's most 40 and 50-point games this season.

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