EMBIID OUT OF MVP RACE: WHO WILL FILL THE VOID?
Joel Embiid’s absence from the MVP race due to surgery has left a vacant spot at the top. The competition has now turned into a fierce battle between two players. While Luka Doncic’s numbers are impressive, his chances are slim unless the Dallas Mavericks’ winning percentage matches his offensive output.
In any other year, Nikola Jokic would be the clear frontrunner for his third MVP in four years. However, Jokic has appeared to take a step back this season, only because Embiid was so dominant. Despite having the second-best Player Efficiency Ranking and ranking fourth in assists, Jokic’s advanced numbers have slightly declined. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is emerging as a legitimate challenger to Jokic’s throne. If Jokic falters down the stretch, the race becomes wide open.
SGA, as Gilgeous-Alexander is known, has quickly risen to the top of the MVP conversation. Oklahoma City has become one of the best teams in the West, and SGA’s performance has been a major factor in their success. He has proven to be a versatile scorer, excelling in the paint despite being a guard. His ability to score inside and his defensive prowess make him a unique and valuable player.
SGA’s scoring ability is reminiscent of 90’s basketball, where guards would dominate in the post. He has embraced this style of play and has become a force to be reckoned with. His numbers speak for themselves, as he has more 30-point games this season than anyone except Michael Jordan during the 1986-87 season.
Oklahoma City’s success can be attributed to SGA’s presence on both ends of the court. His impact is evident in the points differential when he is on and off the floor. Defensively, his 6-foot-11 wingspan poses problems for opposing guards, leading the league in steals.
SGA’s head-to-head matchups with Jokic have also been impressive. He has a 3-1 record against Denver this season, including a 40-point performance on 70 percent shooting. Jokic, on the other hand, delivered only 19 points on 90 percent shooting in their most recent meeting.
As the season progresses, SGA has the opportunity to solidify his case for MVP. With two months left, anything can happen.
