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

1. Nikola Jokic

Last week's rank: 1

Nikola Jokic remains at the one spot, but it's by a slim margin.

The former two-time MVP has finally looked human this year and so have the Nuggets. After dropping three straight games, it's clear something isn't right in Denver. This could be your normal case of midseason sickness or something alarming.

It's unclear what the problem is, but it's too early to even tell if something is wrong. Jokic has still looked like Jokic through this tough stretch. He has averaged 26 points to open the month of December, but his efficiency is way down from his career averages.

He has averaged 40 percent from the field in four games this past week and has shot an even worse 25 percent from behind the arc. Jokic isn't known as a knockdown shooter from deep, but he has the ability to hurt defenses with his stretchability.

These numbers will need to shift quickly if the former MVP wishes to be in the NBA finals again.

Despite the sluggish look on offense, Jokic has been a relatively plus defender this season. His defensive capabilities often get overshadowed, but he has looked like a plus defender over this few-game stretch.

This is the first time all season things aren't roses and daises in Denver. Jokic will need to be the one to pull the Nuggets out of this slump.

The Dallas Mavericks schedule will only get tougher as we approach Christmas. For more updates on Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in.