NBA MVP Power Rankings: Luka Doncic rises, who drops?

The Dallas Mavericks took on the Milwaukee Bucks in a must-see Saturday primetime matchup. The star-studded duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic had potentially their toughest battle to date as they faced Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard's Bucks.

The two duos left nothing on the court as the Mavericks pairing combined for 74 points in the 132-125 gut-wrenching loss.

Behind Giannis' 40 points, the Bucks would end up taking care of business late in the back-and-fourth affair. Giannis would even tally 15 rebounds and two steals in the effort to wrangle the Mavs.

NBA MVP Power Rankings: Luka Doncic rises, who drops?

Even with the masterclass showing out of Irving, the Mavs proved not to have enough in the tank as they lost a double-digit lead late in the fourth. It came to the detriment of many empty offensive possessions and blown assignments on the defensive end.

It also didn't help that the Mavericks were victim to some loose whistles as there were many fouls drawn not in the Mavs' favor down the stretch. The Bucks shot 20 free throws compared to the Mavericks' 10.

No matter the outcome, fans got what they paid for. For both teams, this could be described as one of the most exciting games of the season. The Mavs continued their brilliant offensive game as they got out in transition and played incredibly quickly, scoring 40 points in the third quarter alone.

Additionally, there was no absence of great basketball from all four stars in this game. MVP candidate Luka Doncic eclipsed with 35 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, once again just coming up short of a triple-double.

Despite the back-to-back losses, Doncic and the Mavs played some amazing basketball throughout this week. With this in mind, let's take a look at the MVP Power Rankings. How far will Doncic rise? What newcomers enter the top five?

5. Anthony Edwards

Last week's rank: N/A

Before a loss earlier this week to the Phoenix Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves were rolling on a seven-game winning streak. A large contributor to the Wolves' success was due to their star player Anthony Edwards.

Edwards has led the Wolves with 26 points per game, five assists, and an eye-popping 39 percent from behind the arc. He has even contributed defensively, with just over one steal per contest.

Edwards was a huge contributor to Minnesota's effort to take down the Boston Celtics earlier this year. He would end with a game-high 38 points and nine rebounds, and many in the national media called this his breakout game for the season.

For Edwards' MVP case, it will be critical that the Timberwolves continue on their winning ways. Staying in the win column could be a huge reason Edwards stays high in these power rankings.

The Wolves have a tough stretch ahead of them as they play some fierce competition in the Eastern Conference over the next few games. As it currently stands, the Timberwolves are tied for first in the Western Conference, which is why Edwards lands at five.

4. Jayson Tatum

Last week's rank: 4

To begin the season, the Boston Celtics have found a lot of success through their star, Jayson Tatum. Riding the wave of a current five-game winning streak. The Celtics seem to only keep getting better and better as the season progresses.

In large part, the Celtics' success can be attributed to the consistency of Tatum. Tatum's hot hand continues to light the Celtics' torch as he has averaged 27.5 points per game, four assists, and eight rebounds per contest.

Out of the other four names on this list, Tatum has been the most consistent, as he has also shot 50 percent from the field in 12 games. However, if Tatum expects to rise amongst the ranks, he will need to provide a lot more than just consistency and winning.

For the Celtics and Tatum it will be critical they continue winning as they have a favorable schedule for the next five games. this list of games will also contain a battle for first in the East as they will battle the Bucks on ESPN.

It will be important Tatum showcases his full arsenal of skills in this game as it will be nationally televised and could be a chance for him to climb the ladder early in the season.

Tatum hasn't disappointed by any means, but there is a long line of hungry superstars who want to compete for the MVP award.

3. Joel Embiid

Last week's rank: 2

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have smashed every national media narrative that surrounded this team to begin the season. Behind some great play out of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they have made this start possible.

After trading James Harden at the beginning of the season, many fans were skeptical of how the Sixers would look to begin the year. Not only have the Sixers looked amazing, but Maxey has become a potential MVP candidate in his own right.

However, even after such a magical start, the Sixers would drop two tough games in a row to respectable Eastern Conference opponents, which is why Embiid will drop one spot.

Embiid's numbers still look amazing though. Averaging 32 points per game and just under 12 boards, his double-double average has looked every bit of impressive. He has even showcased some boom potential, as he has had over 35 points in multiple games already.

He and Maxey have also created a dynastic duo between both of their skills. The absence of Harden brought a huge question mark for the Sixers and how Embiid would play with Maxey, but 12 games in the duo have looked like one of the best pairings in the league.

It will be important that the Sixers get back on track as they have a tough road ahead of them, including some key Western Conference road games.

2. Luka Doncic

Last week's rank: 3

Luka Doncic is the only riser in this top five, and it's in large part for what he's done with Dallas this season. Vaulting the Mavs to a 9-5 record was something many fans never expected. The pairing of Kyrie Irving and Doncic has also looked impressive, as they have benefited nicely from each other's presence.

Averaging 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, it's clear to see why Doncic hopped Joel Embiid for the two spot on this week's list. Even despite some losses, Doncic has looked amazing in almost every game he has played in.

Doncic has sprinkled some real stinkers throughout the beginning of the season, but his big game potential and the way he has carried the Mavs to multiple wins have put him in a group of his own.

There could even be an argument that Doncic should be number one, but due to Doncic's two awful games, he will remain at two for now.

The Mavericks' schedule will only get tougher in the coming weeks, so seeing how Doncic and his team respond will be intriguing to watch. If Doncic can string together some impressive performances against high-caliber opponents, you can expect him to rise once again.

1. Nikola Jokic

Last week's rank: 1

The Joker once again remains at the top of this week's power rankings list with relatively no competition. Averaging 30 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists per game, it's pretty clear to see why Jokic is the MVP frontrunner.

Jokic has led the Nuggets to the top of the Western Conference, as they are currently tied with the Timberwolves for the number one seed. Even despite three losses, Jokic has looked hungry for the MVP award this season.

His lowest points in a game this season came very early on against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Outside of this "average" performance, Jokic has dazzled in every game.

He and Jamaal Murray have capitalized on their dynamic duo as the pairing has created many offensive possessions through their two-man game. With Jokic and Murray clicking this early on, it could be a scary sight for the rest of the league come playoff time.

Jokic has become a strong candidate to win MVP early on, but it will be critical that Jokic keeps playing with his effortless style if he wishes to win for a third time.

The Dallas Mavericks will continue on a tough stretch of basketball as they will play the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. For more news on Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in.