NBA MVP Power Rankings: Joel Embiid drops, a new No. 1 emerges

1. Nikola Jokic

Last week's rank: 2

Nikolla Jokic has started the New Year off amazingly and jumped one spot after nearly a month.

The former two-time MVP has played brilliantly in the Nuggets last two games. The team played the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic in the last week and played well in both. Despite losing to the Magic, Jokic dominated in both games.

In Thursday's win over the Warriors, Jokic led the Nuggets back after being down by double-digits heading into the fourth quarter. The Nuggets not only won, but Jokic hit a game-winning buzzer-beater from half-court. With 3.7 seconds left on the clock, Jokic took the ball off an inbound pass and heaved it for the win.

On Friday, Jokic had the chance to make something similar happen after being down two points with two seconds remaining in the ball game. Unfortunately, the Nuggets failed to get a shot off and would lose 122-120. There was much criticism of the Nuggets as they failed to get Jokic involved in the final play. It's doubtful Jokic could have pulled off yet another example of Serbian Magic, but the Nuggets would have likely gotten a shot off at the very least.

The Nuggets will have two primetime games next week against the Pelicans and Jazz. They will look to build on their 25-12 record. The Dallas Mavericks will have a four-game homestand and play the Memphis Grizzlies next.

For more updates on Mavericks basketball and this loaded MVP race, stay plugged in.