2026 NBA MVP race narrows as Cade Cunningham slips out The competition for the NBA Most Valuable Player award has tightened as the season approaches its final stretch, with the winner likely to be an internationally born player for the eighth consecutive year. This trend has been influenced by the league’s 65-game eligibility rule for postseason awards, which came under scrutiny after Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung injury forced him to miss significant time. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has criticized the rule, arguing it limits elite players’ chances to be recognized for individual honors, which can significantly impact future earnings, including supermax contracts tied to performance milestones. The latest rankings from USA TODAY Sports highlight the top contenders, with the race now focusing on the final 10 games of the season. Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics ranks fifth, despite Jayson Tatum’s recent return. Tatum’s production has not yet reached previous levels, leaving the burden on Brown to carry the Celtics. His 31-point performance in a 10-point victory over the defending-champion Thunder on March 25 underscores his critical role. Over his last five games, Brown has averaged 32.6 points per game, maintaining his status as a key player for Boston. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets holds the fourth position, continuing to dominate with a triple-double average of 27.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game. His consistency has been vital as the Nuggets secure seven of their last nine wins, positioning them for a strong Western Conference seed. Jokic’s leadership is central to Denver’s recent success, though he must avoid missing any games to remain eligible for individual awards.#jaylen_brown #luka_doncic #nikola_jokic #cade_cunningham #national_basketball_players_association
