Here are my updated MVP rankings based on personal and team performance. The player's name is followed by their previous ranking and season stats. Spaces between groups of players show that there is a performance gap between one group and another.
1. Pau Gasol - LAL (1) 22.1 pts, 12.0 reb, 1.9 blk
2. Kobe Bryant - LAL (2) 25.3 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.8 ast
3. Dirk Nowitzki - DAL (NR) 26.4 pts, 8.4 reb, .536 FG%
4. Kevin Durant - OKC (8) 28.3 pts, 6.8 reb, .932 FT%
5. Carmelo Anthony - DEN (NR) 25.4 pts, 9.1 reb, .874 FT%
6. LeBron James - MIA (3) 23.6 pts, 8.3 ast, 5.3 reb
7. Derrick Rose - CHI (9) 26.3 pts, 8.3 ast, 4.4 reb
8. Russell Westbrook - OKC (4) 22.5 pts, 8.3 ast, 5.0 reb
9. Chris Paul - NOH (7) 16.6 pts, 10.1 ast, 3.1 stl
10. Dwight Howard - ORL (NR) 21.9 pts, 12.1 reb, 2.5 blk
Falling out: Dwyane Wade, Paul Millsap, Monta Ellis
Just outside: Paul Millsap, Deron Williams, Joakim Noah
In his first game after I put him #1 in my rankings, Pau Gasol rewarded me by playing a perfect game. He finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, 10/10 field goals, and 8/8 free throws against the Warriors, and the Lakers won both of their games this week.
Kobe maintained his #2 ranking this week by scoring 20 in consecutive games as the Lakers extended their winning streak to 5. Kobe may be one of the best players in the league, but Pau is becoming the best player on this team.
Dirk Nowitzki responded to his snub here last week by posting 42 points and 12 rebounds against Detroit and following it up with 34 against Oklahoma City in a pair of wins. The former MVP is looking as strong as ever, and if the Mavs keep winning, look for him to jump Kobe soon.
Even though he missed 2 games this week due to injury, Kevin Durant made a strong move with 28 points and 8 rebounds against Minnesota and 32 points and 11 rebounds in a loss to the Mavericks. The time off clearly helped the league scoring leader.
Carmelo Anthony also makes a strong entry into the top 10 this week at #5, following a week that was punctuated with a 39-point, 9-rebound game against the Warriors. It's looking like all the trade talk isn't affecting him much.
LeBron scored 25 or more in 3 straight games this week, but the Heat dropped all 3 and James followed suit, dropping 3 spots in the rankings. He was clearly the best player on the court this week, but he needs more help to make Miami competitive.
Derrick Rose moves up 2 spots after a very impressive week, which he finished with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in a big comeback win against Phoenix. It's been a quick rise for Rose from Rookie of the Year to All-Star to MVP candidate.
Russell Westbrook performed well (20 points, 14 assists) in a win over Minnesota, but his 13 points in a loss to Dallas cost him, and he swapped places with teammate Kevin Durant in the rankings this week as a result.
Chris Paul had fewer than 10 assists in consecutive games, and the Hornets lost both, dropping them behind the Spurs in the standings. Paul must perform better this week to avoid being dropped from the rankings completely.
Dwight Howard sneaks into the rankings in the #10 spot after a very solid and consistent week in which he averaged 25 points and 16 rebounds over 3 games, with the only loss coming to the top-ranked Spurs.
Prediction results
NBA: 5/6 (0.833) 34/51 overall (0.667)
NFL: 2/3 (0.667) 12/19 overall (0.632)
College Football: 1/2 (0.500) 15/19 overall (0.789)
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