NBA Cup MVP rankings updated: Alexander rises to first place, Knicks duo enters top five

On December 13th Beijing time, as the NBA Cup semifinalists emerged, the NBA official site updated the MVP standings. Thunder’s Alexander moved up to first place, Knicks’ Brunson took second, and last time’s leader Doncic fell to seventh due to the Lakers’ exit. The detailed rankings are as follows—

1. Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Previous rank: 2nd

Reason for nomination: In two crucial games against the Suns in the Cup—first in the group stage, then in the quarterfinals—Shai totaled 65 points. For most players, these are outstanding scoring numbers, but for Shai, such performances are becoming routine, and we certainly shouldn’t lower our evaluation of him because of that.

Throughout this Cup, as with other events this season, the biggest question about Shai has been whether he will play in the fourth quarter. In the first game against the Suns, he not only played the entire final quarter but scored 15 of the 37 points in that period. In the second game, a dominant 49-point victory, one might boldly guess where this star was during the last 12 minutes.

2. Brunson, New York Knicks

Previous rank: 3rd

Reason for nomination: Brunson’s performance throughout the Cup fully merits his status as a top-tier player. He controls the game for the Knicks on the court and can hit clutch shots, ignite offensive runs, or stifle opponents’ comebacks. In the quarterfinals against the Raptors, Brunson was dominant—scoring 20 out of the team’s first 35 points in the opening quarter, helping the Knicks build an early lead they never relinquished.

In the earlier game against the Bucks, he scored 37 points, helping the Knicks advance to the knockout stage. Brunson has delivered such standout performances multiple times before, and now with the championship trophy within reach, this elite clutch player is expected to step up and control the game.

3. Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Previous rank: Unranked

Reason for nomination: In the Cup quarterfinals, Castle tore apart the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense—“tore apart” is no exaggeration, as the Lakers barely managed to contain him. He produced his season-best performance: 10 of 14 shooting for a season-high 30 points. Throughout the game, he was nearly unstoppable. Additionally, in just 27 minutes, he grabbed 10 rebounds and dished 6 assists, showcasing remarkable per-minute efficiency.

In the previous Cup round against the Golden State Warriors, Castle recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the key factor in the Spurs’ victory. With Wembanyama sidelined due to injury, Castle provided vital offensive firepower for the Spurs.

4. Bane, Orlando Magic

Previous rank: Unranked

Reason for nomination: Early in his first season with the Magic, Bane’s performance was somewhat underwhelming, but since mid-November, as he grew more familiar with his teammates and the team’s tactics, his play has significantly improved. Coincidentally, the Magic also broke out of their slump and started a winning streak. His outside shooting is invaluable to a Magic lineup lacking consistent scoring threats. Since Tracy McGrady in 2004, Bane has become the Magic guard with the most 35+ point games in a single season.

In the quarterfinals against the Miami Heat, he exploded for 37 points with only one turnover. Similarly, in the last group stage game, he scored 37 points to defeat the Eastern Conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons. Just when the Magic needed someone to step up the most, Bane delivered his best form.

5. Towns, New York Knicks

Previous rank: 8th

Reason for nomination: In the decisive blowout win over the Raptors, Towns focused on defense—grabbing 16 rebounds and blocking 2 shots, completely stifling the Raptors’ offense. In the group stage game against the Charlotte Hornets, he posted 19 points and 10 rebounds; versus the Bucks, he also secured 10 boards.

Offense is Towns’ natural strength, and among the Cup’s final four teams, he may be the most proficient shooting center. It’s expected that in Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, the Knicks will design more offensive plays for him and increase his ball-handling opportunities.

Ranks 6-10 are as follows—

6. Fox, San Antonio Spurs

7. Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

8. Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

9. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

10. Reeves, Los Angeles Lakers

Additional 5 candidates (listed alphabetically)—

Black (Orlando Magic), Booker (Phoenix Suns), Gillespie (Phoenix Suns), Ingram (Toronto Raptors), Ajayi-Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)