Introduction: The Most Competitive NBA MVP Race December 2024
As we approach the midway point of the NBA MVP Race December 2024 season, the MVP conversation has exploded into one of the most wide-open races in recent memory. NBA MVP Race December 2024 ladder features a mix of established superstars and rising phenoms, with statistical profiles so impressive they’re rewriting record books. This in-depth analysis breaks down every serious candidate, their compelling cases, and why this might be the hardest MVP vote in decades.
In this comprehensive MVP breakdown, we examine:
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✔ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic two-way dominance
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✔ Nikola Jokić’s quest for a third MVP in four years
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✔ Giannis Antetokounmpo’s unparalleled physical dominance
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✔ Dark horse candidates making surprise pushes
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✔ Key advanced metrics separating the contenders
With team success and individual brilliance reaching new heights, let’s dive into the players defining this unforgettable NBA season.
The Clear Frontrunner: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
The Case for SGA:
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Stats: 31.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.3 SPG (league leader)
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Shooting Splits: 54/38/91
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Team Record: 23-7 (1st in West)
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Net Rating: +15.2 when on court
Why He Leads:
Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed from All-Star to superstar, carrying the Thunder to the West’s best record while playing elite defense. His 30-point streak (now at 18 games) is the longest since James Harden in 2018-19.
“SGA isn’t just having an MVP season—he’s having one of the most efficient high-volume scoring years ever,” notes NBA NewsZ analyst Kevin O’Connor.
The Prime Challengers
2. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
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Stats: 26.1 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 9.8 APG (near triple-double)
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Advanced Metrics: 1st in PER (32.8), 1st in Win Shares
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Team Record: 21-9 (3rd in West)
X-Factor: The Nuggets are 15-1 when Jokić plays 30+ minutes.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
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Stats: 31.8 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.1 APG
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Efficiency: 62% FG (career-high)
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Team Record: 20-10 (2nd in East)
Key Stat: Leads NBA in paint points (20.1 per game).
The Second Tier Contenders
4. Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
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Stats: 33.5 PPG (league leader), 8.9 RPG, 9.2 APG
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Concern: Mavericks’ 18-13 record holds him back
5. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
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Stats: 28.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.9 APG
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Team Success: Celtics own NBA’s best net rating (+8.1)
6. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
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Stats: 34.1 PPG (would lead league if qualified)
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Games Played: Has missed 10 games (eligibility concern)
Advanced Metrics Breakdown
| Player | PER | Win Shares | VORP | On/Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jokić | 32.8 | 6.1 | 3.8 | +12.4 |
| SGA | 30.5 | 5.8 | 3.5 | +15.2 |
| Giannis | 29.9 | 5.3 | 3.1 | +10.7 |
Source: Basketball-Reference
Historical Context
How this race compares to recent MVP seasons:
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2023: Jokić (statistical dominance)
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2022: Jokić (carried depleted roster)
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2021: Jokić vs. Embiid vs. Curry
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2020: Giannis (dominant two-way force)
*This year’s race most resembles 2016-17 (Westbrook vs. Harden vs. Kawhi).*
Dark Horse Candidates
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Chet Holmgren (OKC): Leading DPOY race helps case
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Anthony Edwards (MIN): Carrying Wolves to top record
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Tyrese Haliburton (IND): League’s best passer (12.4 APG)
“Don’t sleep on Haliburton—his impact metrics are elite,” says ESPN’s Zach Lowe.
Team Success vs. Individual Brilliance
The MVP debate often comes down to:
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Team Record: SGA, Tatum benefit
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Statistical Dominance: Jokić, Luka lead
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Narrative: Giannis chasing 3rd MVP
Current Vegas Odds:
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SGA (+180)
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Jokić (+220)
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Giannis (+350)
Key Upcoming Games That Could Swing the Race
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Dec 25: Thunder vs. Nuggets (SGA vs. Jokić)
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Jan 14: Bucks vs. Celtics (Giannis vs. Tatum)
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Jan 30: Mavs vs. Thunder (Luka vs. SGA)
Fantasy Basketball Impact
MVP Candidates Worth Building Around:
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Jokić (category-killer)
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SGA (elite steals)
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Giannis (FG% anchor)
Final Prediction: Who Wins If Vote Were Today?
Based on December play:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (combines stats + wins)
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Nikola Jokić (best advanced numbers)
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (most dominant physically)
“This might be the first MVP decided by defensive impact,” argues NBA NewsZ film analyst Nate Duncan.
Conclusion: A Race For the Ages
The NBA MVP Race December 2024 features the perfect storm of statistical brilliance, team success, and compelling narratives. With no clear favorite and multiple players having career years, this debate will rage until the final games are played. One thing’s certain—whoever emerges victorious will have earned it against historically tough competition.
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