NBA MVP Power Rankings: Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rises, who drops?

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Last week's rank: 3

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the league by winning five straight and tying the first-place Timberwolves in the West.

Following the blowout loss to the Mavericks right after the trade deadline, the Thunder have gone on a five-game winning streak and have shown no signs of slowing down. Since making the rotational move to get Isaiah Joe more minutes, the Thunder have begun to win more games dominantly.

Joe traditionally hasn't seen a lot of time on the floor, but over the last month and in this five-game winning streak, he has become the team's sixth man by providing perimeter shot-making. Surrounding Shai with outside shot makers has been a critical component for Thunder-winning games, and Joe has fit that mold.

In Shai's last ten games, he has slowed down on an individual basis but has played outstanding for his team. Shai has emerged as a top-five player in this league while also being a great teammate and not forcing anything in the process.

It's clear to see that Shai's top objective is to win games, and that's exactly what they have done. During this five-game run, they have blown out the LA Clippers and have also gotten a win over the Sacramento Kings. Shai and the Thunder have a good opportunity to win seven in a row as they play the Rockets once again and the Spurs in the next few days.