TWENTY-FIVE games into the 2021-2022 NBA season, and players have shown their strengths on the court in leading their teams. Several have had good games, while several have been very consistent.
For this week, Game On presents the top five NBA players in the MVP race.
5. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers ( 26.2 ppg, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG)
He has been the consistent player for the Clippers shooting lights out 50 percent from the field.
Currently, the Clippers are third in the Western Conference, and he has played a massive role in this. Unfortunately, even with his outputs, they recently dropped back to back games, putting them 1.5 games behind the Lakers.
4. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn (30.8 ppg, 7.5 RPG, 5.2 ASP)
After missing the entire 2019-2020 season, KD is on a comeback tour. His averages this season are grand but not as spectacular as his previous seasons. What makes his campaign relatively easy is having James Harden and Kyrie Irving on the court. The Nets trio has been deadly, but they must find the chemistry to sustain their potent firepower into the postseason.
3. Nikola Jokic, Denver (26.8 ppg, 11.8 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.7 SPG)
One of the better passing big men we have seen from the NBA in recent seasons. Coming in 3rd in the MVP race is no surprise this season. He has already shown his overall game brilliance.
With a stat line for guards coming from a center, it will only be a matter of time before he gets an MVP nod.
2. Joel Embiid, 76ers (29.1 ppg, 11.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.2 SPG)
When we consider dominant post centers a dying breed in today's NBA, Embiid shows how to dominate in the shaded lane. These numbers are reminiscent of the NBA of old, where centers like Shaq and Zo prospered in the paint both in offense and defense.
1. Lebron James, Lakers 25.0 ppg, 7.7 RPG, 7.5 APG)
Year 18 at 36 years old, these are ridiculous numbers positively. It seems that King James is not slowing down anytime soon. Third on the All-time scoring leaders and poised to beat Kareem in the All-time scoring list, he is still cementing his legacy at 36 years old. He may be old, but setting his sights on his 5th MVP plum and the 18th banner for the purple and gold never gets old.