NBA MVP Watch: Nov. 14
There have certainly been some surprises and disappointments so far in this young NBA season. Teams like the Utah Jazz have made some noise with low expectations going into the year, while other teams with high expectations like the Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a slow start.
But individually, some players have been leading their teams to success. Here's an updated look at the NBA MVP race.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
With a league-best record of 10-2, Antetokounmpo has the Bucks rolling.
The Greek Freak has come out with the same energy and dominance we have seen from him in recent years to start this season. His 31.8 points per game rank fourth in the Association.
Back in the 2019-20 season, Antetokounmpo won both the MVP award and the Defensive Player of the Year award.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see him do the same this season, as he steamrolls through opposing defenses and can hold down the Bucks’ defense by himself.
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
It seems like every season throughout his career so far, Doncic has been viewed as a top-notch preseason MVP candidate.
While it hasn’t yet played out, this may finally be the season. “Luka Magic” has been tearing up defenders this year, averaging a league-leading 34.3 points, 8.7 boards and 8.1 assists.
The scariest part for every team besides the Mavericks?
He’s shooting just 28.6% from deep so far, suggesting his scoring could still see improvement.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell may have pushed the Cavaliers into “title-contender” status.
The former Jazz shooting guard has brought a bit of everything to a Cleveland team that is currently third in the Eastern Conference at 8-4.
Mitchell’s averages of 31.6 points, 6.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds would all set career highs.
He has helped transform the Cavs into an elite team; if he maintains this success, he could be bound for his first MVP award at 26 years old.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
The high-flying point guard Ja Morant just seems to constantly get better at basketball.
Coming into the league, Morant was seen as a playmaking guard that could finish around the rim at an elite level -- which he still is.
But now, he has become a threat from all over the court. He is shooting a career-high 41.0% from beyond the arc on a career-high 5.1 attempts per game.
Between the finishes through contact at the rim, high-IQ passing and now the efficiency from three, Morant has become one of those players that opposing teams only hope they can contain.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
How about the 9-4 start Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers have had?
Portland came into the season widely regarded as a potential late-seeded playoff team, with no real hopes of being much more – but Lillard has been at the center of proving that narrative wrong.
After playing in just 28 games last season due to injury, he has been right back to being an offensive hub and superstar.
If Lillard can continue his success (28.6 points and 6.0 assists per game) while getting strong contributions from his teammates, he could not only lead Portland to the playoffs, but he could be in contention for his first MVP award.
Daniel Mader is a third-year majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
