Hold onto your hats, basketball fans, because the MVP race is heating up just as the All-Star break cools things down. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander still sits atop the Kia MVP Ladder, but his injured status has opened the door for others to make their move. And boy, are they making moves!
Take Kawhi Leonard, for instance. The LA Clippers star has been on fire lately, proving he’s still one of the league’s most dominant forces. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Leonard’s recent surge enough to challenge for the MVP title, especially with his team struggling to stay above .500? Or is his impact simply too late in the season to make a real difference? Let’s dive in.
Leonard’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. After a fourth-quarter takeover against the Houston Rockets, where he dropped 19 points—including the game-winner—he’s shown why he’s considered elite. Finally free from injury restrictions, Leonard is averaging over 28 points per game since December. Clippers coach Ty Lue praised his ability to carry the team offensively and defensively, stating, ‘With the minutes restriction off, he gives us a real chance every single night.’ But for all his brilliance, the Clippers’ record and the tough Western Conference schedule might keep him from serious MVP consideration.
And this is the part most people miss: Leonard’s individual dominance is undeniable, but MVP awards often go to players whose teams are at the top of the standings. The Clippers, despite Leonard’s heroics, are still fighting just to stay in the Play-In Tournament. So, while he’s climbed to 10th on the MVP Ladder, the question remains: can he do enough to rise higher?
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds onto the top spot despite missing the last five games with an abdominal injury. His efficiency and leadership have kept the Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the West, but his absence could tighten the MVP race as competitors like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić heat up.
Speaking of Jokić, the Denver Nuggets star is back after missing nearly a month, and he’s already making his presence felt. However, his return hasn’t been seamless—he’s struggled with 3-pointers and defensive timing. Still, with Aaron Gordon set to return, Jokić’s chances of reclaiming the top spot hinge on Denver’s ability to win consistently.
Luka Dončić, meanwhile, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing four straight games. While he remains in the top three, his absence could prove costly in such a competitive MVP field. He’ll need a strong return when the Lakers face the Clippers next week.
Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons continue to impress, holding their ground in the East. Cunningham’s all-around play—25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists per game—has him firmly in the MVP conversation. And Victor Wembanyama? The San Antonio Spurs phenom is averaging 26.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in February, all in under 30 minutes per game. His efficiency is off the charts, but can a player on a non-contending team truly win MVP?
As the league pauses for the All-Star break, the stage is set for a thrilling second half. Will Leonard’s late surge be enough? Can Jokić or Dončić reclaim the top spot? Or will an underdog like Cunningham or Wembanyama surprise us all? One thing’s for sure: this MVP race is far from over.
Thought-provoking question for you: With team success often a factor in MVP voting, can Kawhi Leonard’s individual brilliance overcome the Clippers’ middling record? Let us know in the comments!
Shaun Powell has covered the NBA since 1985. You can e-mail him at spowell@nba.com, find his archive here, and follow him on X.
