Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić remains No. 1 in the Kia MVP Ladder for the fourth consecutive week, continuing his dominant season with triple-double averages. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stays at No. 2, while Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham rises to No. 4. The ladder highlights standout performances amid a high-scoring NBA era.
The latest Kia MVP Ladder, released on December 5, 2025, by NBA.com's Shaun Powell, underscores the ongoing dominance of Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the race. Jokić, averaging 28.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 11.1 assists, is the only player posting a triple-double average this season. He averaged 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in November, followed by a 29-point, 20-rebound double-double to open December. Despite the Nuggets' 6-4 home record, Jokić's all-around offensive impact keeps him atop the rankings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits at No. 2 with 32.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. He has scored 20 or more points in 94 straight games, the second-longest streak in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain's 126. In November, he had 12 games with at least 30 points out of 21 played, and he opened December with 38 points against the Golden State Warriors without a turnover, shooting 13-of-21. The Thunder, one of four teams to start a season 20-1 or better, benefit from his 55% season shooting efficiency.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić holds No. 3, leading the league in scoring at 35.3 points per game, with 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists. Over his last seven games, he scored 33 or more points twice reaching 40. Cade Cunningham climbs to No. 4 for the Pistons, averaging 27.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists, including a game-winning reverse layup in an 18-point outing against the Atlanta Hawks.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo drops to No. 5 after a calf strain, with averages of 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, but his availability is now in question to meet the 65-game threshold for awards. The next five include Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) at No. 6, Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) at No. 7, Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) at No. 8, Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets) at No. 9, and Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics) at No. 10. Additional contenders are Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers).
Powell notes the NBA's scoring era, with 35 players averaging 20 points, driven by rule changes favoring offense. Jaylen Brown reflected on his role: “I’m still growing, to be honest. Every game, I take information and apply it to the next game. Obviously, this year I have more responsibility. I’ve never been in this position before … I’m still figuring it out.”