All-Star weekend has come and gone, the Dallas Mavericks are on a six-game winning streak and are in great spirits. The Mavericks most recently defeated the San Antonio Spurs, their in-state rivals. Following a difficult opening frame, the Mavs turned things around and triumphed 116-93.
It was crucial for the team to defeat the Spurs before the week-long break. When you consider that the Mavericks are presently sixth in the Western Conference and are on a six-game winning streak, it becomes even more significant.
The Mavericks’ ability to rebound and play defense has improved since the addition of PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford around the trade deadline. Only one team, the OKC Thunder, has scored more than 110 points since the additions.
Luka Doncic of the Mavericks rises to the top NBA MVP Power Ranking during All-Star weekend
The Mavericks have won six straight games, but clearly they still need to improve before they play again on Thursday. The most obvious weakness in the Mavericks’ lineup is Washington’s lack of offensive production.
Dallas’ options are endless if Washington can refine his offensive and get more comfortable in the Mavs system. Washington has been the team’s lockdown defender despite offensive struggles. The hardest defensive assignments are always given to him; supporters have even nicknamed his defense “P jail.”
Gafford has also been a terrific addition. The erstwhile Wizard has been catching lobs and ejecting shots. In addition to Doncic, Gafford has played some of the best basketball of his career in just three games.
10. Kevin Durant
Last week’s rank: N/A
For the first time in over a month, Kevin Durant rejoins the top ten. After attending the All-Star game, Durant and the Suns look to make their postseason push.
9. Donovan Mitchell
Last rank: N/A
Donovan Mitchell has led the Cavaliers on numerous runs. For the first time, Mitchell has been mentioned as the MVP candidate even though he helped the Cavs finish with the second-best record in the East.
8. Devin Booker
Last rank: 10
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker appear to be vying for MVP honors. Throughout the entire season, the two have played fantastically and supported one another through difficult circumstances.
7. Domantas Sabonis
Last rank: 7
Domantas Sabonis is one of the few players still in the same position. Sabonis has dominated in several areas even if he was not chosen for an All-Star team. In terms of rebounds, triple-doubles, and double-doubles, he leads the league.
6. Jayson Tatum
Last rank: 8
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics have positioned themselves nicely for a late postseason run. The Celtics are currently first in the Eastern Conference and have the best record in the league.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last rank: 3
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are trending in the wrong direction at the worst time of the year. The worst thing you want to do is enter the All-Star break, losing seven of your last ten games, which is what the Bucks have managed to do.
Giannis has having an excellent run of basketball even though he has lost three of his last 10 games. In his last 10 games, he’s averaged 29.7 points and 9.3 rebounds. However, it’s still less than his season total. It’s crucial to remember, too, that he and Damien Lillard have battled side by side.
Both Doc Rivers and the Bucks have had difficulties since he assumed coaching duties. There doesn’t seem to be any hope for Milwaukee as they have lost seven of their previous ten games. Regretfully, they have just 30 games remaining to salvage their season, but this might be the ideal opportunity.
4. Kawhi Leonard
Last rank: 6
Over the past month, Kawhi Leonard has steadily moved up the MVP Rankings. Despite the difficulties his team was having going into the All-Star break, Kawhi has put the Clippers in a great position to contend late in the season.
Leonard has contributed significantly to the Clippers’ 36-17 campaign. Leonard’s health and availability have always been major concerns before the season started. Leonard is expected to make an All-NBA team before the 65-game mark, barring any significant setbacks.
Many members of the NBA media discounted the Clippers as title contenders after their four-year run of poor health. Not only have they refuted those allegations, but following a transaction made early in the season for James Harden, the Clippers are looking like true title contenders.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Last rank: 2
Despite dropping one spot in this week’s MVP Power Rankings, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has looked like a star on the floor this season. It’s no wonder fans love Shai when you factor in that he is leading one of the youngest rosters in the NBA to their first winning season in four years.
Shai has been nothing short of dominant during this season. The 25-year-old was selected to his second-ever All-Star selection and got his first starting nod this season. He hasn’t just looked great individually, but he has also led his Thunder squad to a remarkable 37-17 record.
2. Luka Doncic
Last rank: 4
Following his multiple-position decline in the most recent MVP Rankings, Luka Doncic has been destroying everything in his path. As the Mavericks enter the last 30 games, he has guided them to six straight victories and one of the best futures.
For the past two weeks, Doncic and the Mavs have been on a rampage . The squad has made several moves that have defined the season and elevated them to prominence in the last few weeks. Doncic has changed drastically as a player from his previous MVP rankings.
The 24-year-old has profited from two Mavericks deals made at the deadline as well as Kyrie Irving’s comeback from injury. Daniel Gafford’s acquisition is one trade that has helped Doncic. Gafford appears to be another Dereck Lively II when on the floor, just with more veteran knowledge.
1. Nikola Jokic
Last rank: 1
Nikola Jokic was the clear favorite to earn MVP after Joel Embiid suffered a serious MCL injury. The Denver Nuggets will aim to start the All-Star break with their probable MVP in tow after some recent setbacks.
Jokic is presently averaging 26.1 points and 12 rebounds per game, good for a double-double. If Jokic wants to win the prize without any opposition, he will not only need to keep winning, but his stats will also need to increase.
It’s no secret that the Nuggets’ great center is the main factor in their success. The Nuggets would not be where they are now without Jokic.
It’s no secret that Nuggets’ success is driven by their superstar center. Without Jokic, the Nuggets would not be where they are today. Behind Jokic, the team has gotten off to one of the best starts in franchise history, and going into the All-Star break, they have a record of 36-19.
Despite some recent struggles, the Nuggets have looked dominant all season long. Fans shouldn’t be worried by any of their recent bumps in the road. However, if these struggles continue past the first few games out of the break, there could be some call for concern amongst Denver fans.
The Nuggets will need to get out of the break on a hot streak if they wish to get out of their current fourth-place standings. In the Western Conference, there is no room for error. The Nuggets will look to get back in the win column in their next game against the Washington Wizards.