Kia MVP Ladder: All-Star starter Jayson Tatum returns to Top 5

Giannis Antetokounmpo (left) and Jayson Tatum round out the Top 5 this week.

Setting the stage this week is Giannis Antetokounmpo navigating choppy waters in Milwaukee with a 35-point triple-double a day after the firing of Adrian Griffin.

The two-time Kia MVP’s stellar showing helped the Bucks slam the brakes Wednesday on Cleveland’s eight-game winning streak. The 29-year-old collected triple-double No. 7 in tying his single-season high in that category, just 42 games into the 2023-24 campaign.

That needs to continue in the early days of the reported Doc Rivers era in Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo added to the list of accolades Thursday when the NBA announced the 11-year vet as a starter and captain for the Feb. 18 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.

One stat to know: 5 – That’s how many triple-doubles Antetokounmpo logged this month. He’s averaging 32.2 points per game in January with 13.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists.

What they’re saying: “My job is to be the best version of myself to lead this team out there and help win games.” – Antetokounmpo describing his role compared to the responsibilities of the front office after the firing of Griffin.

Long overdue: That’s the sentiment regarding Jayson Tatum’s rise into the top five of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder. The best player on the league’s top team currently deserves the spot. Luka Doncic falls from Tier 1 in the wake of the Dallas Mavericks dropping three in a row.

Keep track of how our MVP rankings continue to evolve throughout the season.

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

Season stats: 36.0 ppg, 11.4 rpg, 5.8 apg

His case: Unbelievably, the reigning MVP started the week accomplishing a feat many thought they’d never witness by breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s franchise record for scoring with a career-high 70 points against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

Just when we thought Embiid’s grip on the top spot was loosening, he squeezed tighter. But it’s worth noting he sat out the fourth quarter of Thursday’s loss at Indiana due to knee soreness.

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Season stats: 26.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 9.0 apg

His case: Denver finished a five-game road trip 3-2 absorbing a beatdown Thursday at New York despite the two-time MVP logging 31 points and 11 assists. Jokic was named an All-Star starter Thursday for the fourth straight year, joining Alex English as the only other Nugget to be picked to start in four All-Star games.

Jokic and the Nuggets return home Saturday to host Embiid and the 76ers as part of Rivals Week.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Season stats: 31.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.4 apg

His case: Scored 16 of his 32 points against the Spurs on Wednesday in the third quarter in piecing together his league-best 32nd 30-point game of the season. Finishing with 10 assists in that contest, the 25-year-old notched his sixth double-double, after accomplishing that feat last season just three times.

The Thunder have won four in a row, with three victories on the road and another two away games on tap.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week’s ranking: No. 4

Season stats: 31.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg, 6.2 apg

His case: The eye-popping scoring and rebounding jump off the page initially, but Antetokounmpo is also averaging a career-high 6.2 assists while shooting a career-best 60.5% from the field. No player has averaged 30-plus points per game in a season on 60% shooting.

But expect an adjustment period with new coach Rivers in the fold. That’s where the veteran’s leadership should kick in to carry this experienced squad that’s expected to seriously contend.

5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last week’s ranking: No. 6

Season stats: 27.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.4 apg

His case: The five-time All-Star has kept his head down and stayed on the grind all season, blasting Doncic and the Mavericks for 39 points and 11 rebounds on Monday only to follow up Thursday with 26 points and eight rebounds in a dominating win over Miami.

It’s clear Tatum and the Celtics are fed up with falling short so many times in recent years.

The Next Five:

6. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (Last week: No. 5)7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (Last week: No. 7)8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (Last week: unranked)9. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers (Last week: No. 10)10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (Last week: unranked)

And five more (listed alphabetically): Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers; Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers; Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans.

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Michael C. Wright is a senior writer for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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