NBA MVP Candidates: Four-Way Fight to Close Out the Season

(Photo : Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) DENVER, COLORADO - Giannis Antetokounmpo (#34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Nikola Jokic (#15) of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on January 29, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

The 2023-24 NBA Season is in its final stage and we have yet to commit to a definitive MVP.

As we veer closer to the end of the season, the league's most coveted prize, the regular NBA Season MVP, is still up for grabs.

From Nikola Jokic to Luka Doncic, there are several players who have a solid case to win the prestigious award.

Here is a list of players who we think hold a solid case in taking home the NBA MVP for the 2023-24 season.

NBA MVP Candidates: Nikola Jokic

Team: Denver Nuggets

Stats: 26.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.0 assists

Nikola Jokic has his eyes set on another NBA MVP.

So far this season, Jokic is leading the way amongst voters to win the award for an astounding third time, and for good reason.

Jokic continues to be remarkable this season. He has led his Denver Nuggets all the way to the first seed in the difficult NBA Western Conference.

His stats back his bid for MVP, and his impact on the court is undeniable as Jokic posted several triple-doubles and big-time performances this season that definitely separate him from the pack.

If Nikola Jokic wins the NBA MVP again, he will join a special list of players who earned three or more MVPs in their NBA careers; Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and LeBron James.

NBA MVP Candidates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 30.4 points, 5.6 Rebounds, 6.3 assists

The 2023-24 NBA season has been going great for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 2-time All-Star is in the running to take home his first NBA MVP.

For most of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have remained within striking distance of the one seed in the NBA Western Conference behind Gilgeous-Alexander's excellence.

As an individual player, he's proven to be one of the best offensive and defensive players in the league, ranking in the top five in scoring and of the top in defensive play.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on target to become the third player (after Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry) to average at least 30 points, 2.1 steals, and a shooting percentage of 50% or better.

NBA MVP Candidates: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Team: Milwaukee Bucks

Stats: 30.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is back in the mix for the NBA MVP.

Through the Milwaukee Bucks' up and down season, the Greek Freak has remained steadfast and excellent in his play. Antetokounmpo has endured a sudden coaching change, all while still building chemistry with newly acquired All-Star point guard Damian Lillard.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is posting his highest career points average this season, at slightly over 30 a game.

Antetokounmpo remains a force in the paint, shooting an astounding 71% from the field, and has shown he can still lead his Bucks to crucial wins. The Milwaukee Bucks are on a 14-12 run and have the league's fifth-best record; putting them second in the NBA Eastern Conference.

NBA MVP Candidates: Luka Doncic

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 33.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 9.8 assists

The Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is having another NBA MVP caliber season.

Doncic is leading the league in scoring and is third in triple-doubles. In doing this, Luka Doncic has also made leaps in assisting, rebounding, and 3-point shooting.

He consistently stuffs the stat sheet on a nightly basis and would have more consideration for the award if the Mavericks overall had a better regular season record.

The Dallas Mavericks are currently the No.6 seed in the NBA Western Conference. It's rare that a player wins the award lower than a third seed; although, Nikola Jokic won the NBA MVP in the 2021-22 season while his Denver Nuggets were the six seed in the West.