NBA MVP Power Rankings: Giannis Antetokounmpo falls, new player joins top five

5. Kevin Durant

Last week's rank: 9

Kevin Durant officially becomes this week's highest riser in the MVP Power Rankings.

Durant has played amazing all year long and has the numbers to back it up. Through 19 games, Durant has averaged 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists. He has quietly become a dark horse MVP candidate, which is insane given his numbers on the year.

Offensively, Durant has only aged like wine. His freakish height gives him an automatic advantage over any defender in the league. Durant has shot over 50 percent from the field this season, and from behind the arc, Durant has shot 50 percent.

Over the Suns' last few games, Durant has scored over 30 in the last eight of nine games. He has quickly become Phoenix's number-one player and has led them to a promising 12-10 record. Despite the Suns' strong start to begin the season, they have dropped three of the last four games. The loss of Durant could be a huge reason why.

Durant has missed a few games now due to an ankle sprain. He is expected to make a full recovery this coming week.

Durant hasn't only been an offensive monster. He has quietly become one of the Suns' best defenders. He has averaged a block throughout the season, and it's easy to see why. Durant has become a pseudo-center for the Suns' throughout portions of games.

Despite Durant's recent injuries, he has risen in this week's MVP Power Rankings.