Setting the bar this week, supply and future collide when two-time MVP Nikola Jokic faces rookie Victor Wembanyama for the second time Friday when San Antonio hosts Denver in Austin for the I-35 series.
This adjustment has a sure point of intrigue given what happened among the big boys in November, but let’s also not forget the rapid speed at which Wembanyama has grown since then. The No. 1 overall pick scored 22 points with 11 rebounds, six steals and 4 blocks in a Nov. 26 loss to Jokic and the Nuggets.
The reigning Finals MVP had 39 points and 11 rebounds in that outing, falling one step short of a triple-double.
Wembanyama averaged 20. 1 points, 10. 3 rebounds, 2. 9 assists and 2. 9 blocks in November, shooting 43. 3% from the field and 27. 3% from 3-point range. Since then, the rookie’s scoring has remained stable at 20. 3 points per game in the month of March.
But rebounds (11. 8), assists (4. 5) and blocks (4. 3) increased that time as the percentage of shots in the box (46. 9%) and the percentage of shots in the box improved from 3 points (40%).
A stat you want to know: 787-586 – These numbers are Jokic’s total existing rebounds and assist. The 787 rebounds are more than he accumulated in his first MVP season (2020-21) and his current help overall is more. ten cents of what he gave out in his second MVP season (2021-22).
Remember: The Nuggets still have games left.
What they say: “Facing Jokic is, of course, a very, very attractive situation. He’s someone I’ve learned a lot from just by watching him. So to bet against him again, I think he’s going to teach me a lot. “Wembanyama on his expectations for Friday’s match against Jokic.
Follow the evolution of our MVP ratings for the season.
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 1
Season Stats: 26 numbers per game, 12. 3 RPG, 9. 2 apg
Case in point: The defending champions returned to their dominant lane after the All-Star break, winning 10 of 11 games before Friday’s game against the Spurs. In that span, the two-time MVP averaged a 25-point 3-pointer. -Double shooting at 60. 5% from the field.
Jokic made a pair of shots in Wednesday’s win in Miami. The match against the Spurs marks the first of three games directly away from home against Western Conference opponents.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 2
Season stats: 31. 1 problems per game, 5. 6 RPGs, 6. 4 problems per game
Gilgeous-Alexander scored his 12th goal with more than 30 problems in his last 14 starts and his 49th 30-point gem this season as Oklahoma City regained pole position in the West. The 25-year-old split the Mavericks on Thursday for 31 issues. , rebounds, five assists and two steals.
OKC has won 10 of its last 11 home games and hits the road Saturday to face the long-suffering Memphis Grizzlies.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last week’s ranking: No. 3
Season stats: 30. 8 things per game, 11. 2 RPGs, 6. 4 things per game
Case in point: Milwaukee had lost three of its last four before Thursday’s 114-105 win over the Sixers, in which Antetokounmpo scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter. The feature gave the two-time MVP his fourth straight game with more than 30 problems.
Antetokounmpo leads the NBA in 31 games this season with more than 30 problems and more than 10 rebounds. The Bucks are back in second place in the East, but then they will face tests against Phoenix and Boston.
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Last week’s rankings: No. 5
Season stats: 34. 3 problems per game, nine RPGs, 9. 8 problems per game
Case in point: Although Dallas remains eighth in the West, the Mavericks won 4 just before Thursday’s loss to Oklahoma City, with Doncic lighting up the triple-double score in 3 of the 4 games.
He had seven direct triple-doubles heading into Wednesday’s win over Golden State. A hamstring injury sidelined the 25-year-old for Thursday’s loss at Oklahoma City. The MRI of this hamstring made it clear, but it will be re-evaluated this weekend.
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celts
Last week’s standings: nº4
Season stats: 27 numbers per game, 8. 3 RPG, 4. 9 apg
Tatum helped Boston become the first team to clinch a playoff spot with a score of 26 points on Thursday in a win over Phoenix, giving the Celtics their eighth straight win at home. Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 63 points on 59 percent shooting as Boston advanced to the league. -best 30-3 at TD Garden.
When Tatum scores, the Celtics win. Boston is 19-4 when the 26-year-old has more than 30 points.
The Next Five
And others (listed in alphabetical order): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
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Michael C. Wright is a senior at NBA. com. You can email him here, locate his files here, and follow him on X.
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