NBA MVP Power Rankings: New No. 1 emerges after spectacular week

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Last rank: 2

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to win games, but it hasn't attributed to full-time success on the court for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This has been the first stretch in that fans can visibly see Gilgeous-Alexander struggling when it matters most.

The Thunder are 2-1 in their last three games, and they are fresh off a huge win over the New York Knicks. Against the Knicks, the Thunder won by only one point but had to rely on other players not named Gilgeous-Alexander to steal the spotlight.

Gilgeous Alexander finished the night with a measly 19 points and only attributed three assists in the winning effort. Had Gilgeous-Alexander been on his "A game," the result could have been different, but at this stage in the season, wins are wins.

The All-Star guard will need to pick up his play before the playoffs begin. However, fans shouldn't worry. Gilgeous-Alexander has still found ways to push through this mini-slump and has even found success offensively when not scoring the ball.

For opposing teams, Gilgeous-Alexander poses a huge threat to score whenever which is why they have to constantly keep a man on him. While it doesn't show up on the stat sheets, Gilgeous-Alexander's presence alone has created many opportunities for the Thunder to score and succeed without their franchise player scoring.

The Thunder find themselves in solo position of first place just half a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets. If they wish to clinch the first seed in the Western Conference, they will need all the help they can get from their star player.