Steph Curry Enters the NBA MVP Conversation
With the 2020-21 NBA Finals now on the horizon, everyone’s favorite discussion begins to peak its way to the surface. That’s right, the MVP talk! We’ve been keeping a close eye on things and how they affect our current rankings.
There’s a dark horse out on the West coast, that could be giving the player considered to be the front-runner, a run for his money! Some favorites are now being affected by injuries, or lack of substantial support from their team.
Did a trade to the Brooklyn Nets during the early-season help James Harden’s potential to snag this coveted title? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo earn his way to this award unscathed three years in a row? We’re breaking down player stats and bringing you our NBA MVP rankings below, and every week. So be sure to check back in the following weeks to come!
Nikola Jokic 2021 NBA Season – milehighsports.com
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Starting off our list at number 3 in our rankings is Nuggets, power forward, Nikola Jokic. His most recent performance blew most out of the water. With 8 assists on 20-of-31 shooting, 15 rebounds and mind-blowing 47 points, it’s no wonder everyone had his name in their MVP talks last night.
His skill has also earned him high praise from coach Mike Malone. Following the game, when reported asked him if Jokic’s defining MVP moment was that game, he replied “Life’s about little moments. And Nikola’s got about 56 moments where he’s shown he’s the MVP.”
We agree! That’s why it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to replace him in the rankings at the moment.
Joel Embiid – si.com
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
A player who has been on an impressive roll lately, is center for Philly, Joel Embiid. In the past 7 games alone, he has managed to average 1.4 blocks, 10.3 rebounds and a significant 30.7 points. Out of those 7 games, the 76ers have come away with 5 wins, and considering the number of injuries they have dealt with recently, pride is something they must be feeling.
His formidable performance during a 6-point win against the Brooklyn Nets last week, was on the verge of other-worldly, with 13-rebounds and a whopping 39-points. Embiid didn’t stop there! In a 3-point win the following Friday over the Los Angeles Clippers, he earned 14-rebounds and 36-points
With a performance level of this extent, is it any surprise why he’s number two on this week’s rankings?
Steph Curry 2021 Season – nytimes.com
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
With a scoring record to be envious of, Golden State’s star point guard, Curry, has undoubtedly earned this number one ranking. Even though in the West, the Warriors are currently in ninth, they have won five of their last six games, and Curry has been at the forefront of all those wins.
He has managed to score 40+ points in 5 games, in just April alone, and has a staggering playing record, averaging 4.5 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 40-points. Right now, his last 10 games have solidified Curry to holds the lead for points scored per night, in all of the NBA.
We ask, out this year’s MVP contenders, is Curry is the golden goose?
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Between Milwaukee having a less than ideal past few games (losing two of the three), and Antetokounmpo recently missing six of them, he has taken an unfortunate fall from the rankings. Still, with 1.3 blocks, 1.1 steals, 6.0 assists, 112 rebounds, and 28.5 points, we’d be crazy to count him out completely.
While he may not have earned his third consecutive award this year, league-wide, the Bucks are still fourth, and with a month left to watch it all play out… one thing we’ve learned, is that anything can happen!
