1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Previous week’s ranking: No. 1
Season statistics: 26 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 9.2 apg
After the All-Star break, the reigning champions immediately reverted to their dominant ways, winning 10 of their previous 11 games headed into Friday’s matchup with the Spurs. The two-time MVP has averaged a triple-double of 25 points while shooting 60.5% from the field throughout that period.
In the victory over Miami on Wednesday, the productive Jokic took only a few shots. The first of three straight road games against Western Conference opponents is the contest against the Spurs.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Previous week’s ranking: No. 2
Season statistics: 31.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 6.4 apg
Oklahoma City took the lead in the West once again thanks to a performance by Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded his 12th consecutive game with 30 or more points and his 49th 30-point performance of the year. Against the Mavericks on Thursday, the 25-year-old shredded them with 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
After winning ten of its last eleven home games, OKC will travel on Saturday to take on the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Previous week’s ranking: No. 3
Season statistics: 30.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 6.4 apg
Before Thursday’s 114-105 victory over the Sixers, which saw Antetokounmpo score 13 of his 32 points in the game’s last quarter, Milwaukee had lost three of its previous four games. The two-time MVP’s performance marked his fourth straight game with thirty or more points.
With 31 games this season, Antetokounmpo leads the NBA in both points scored and rebounds (10+). The Bucks are now second in the East, but their upcoming games against Phoenix and Boston will be difficult ones.
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week’s ranking: No. 5
Season stats: 34.3 ppg, 9 rpg, 9.8 apg
Even though Dallas is still eighth in the West, the Mavericks had won four straight games before to their defeat to Oklahoma City on Thursday. In three of those games, Doncic lit up the scoreboard with triple-doubles.
Before Wednesday’s victory over Golden State, he had seven straight triple-doubles. The 25-year-old was not able to play in Thursday’s game in Oklahoma City due to a hamstring issue. His left hamstring MRI revealed nothing abnormal, but he will get another checkup this weekend.
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Previous week’s ranking: No. 4
Season statistics: 27 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.9 apg
With a 26-point performance against Phoenix on Thursday, Tatum made Boston history by becoming the first club to secure a postseason spot. The Celtics have now won eight straight games at home. Boston improved to a league-best 30-3 at TD Garden behind the combined 63 points (on 59% shooting) of Jaylen Brown and Tatum.
Tatum’s basket wins it for the Celtics. Boston has a 19-4 record when the 26-year-old scores more than thirty points.
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