The 2025-26 NBA season has delivered spectacular basketball, with Nikola Jokic’s historic Christmas Day performance cementing his position atop the MVP race. As we approach the midway point of the season, the standings paint a picture of fierce competition across both conferences.

Jokic’s Christmas Day Masterpiece

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic put on one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history on Christmas Day 2025. His stat line was simply staggering:

  • 56 points
  • 16 rebounds
  • 15 assists
  • 2 blocks
  • 4 three-pointers

The Nuggets needed overtime to secure the epic win, but Jokic’s triple-double with 50+ points will go down as one of the defining moments of the season. His season averages now stand at an incredible 28.9 points, 12 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game.

MVP Race Heats Up

Prior to Christmas Day, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had been considered the frontrunner for MVP honors. However, OKC’s recent struggles – including three consecutive losses to the San Antonio Spurs – have shifted the odds significantly in Jokic’s favor.

The Thunder’s Christmas Day defeat to San Antonio, coupled with Denver’s thrilling overtime victory, marked a turning point in the MVP conversation. While SGA remains a top candidate, Jokic’s historic performance has placed him firmly in the driver’s seat.

Western Conference Standings

The Western Conference remains as competitive as ever, with several teams in contention for the top spots:

  • Denver Nuggets: 22-8 (3rd place) – Riding high on Jokic’s MVP-caliber performances
  • Oklahoma City Thunder: Recent struggles have seen them lose ground despite early-season dominance
  • San Antonio Spurs: Emerging as legitimate contenders after going 3-0 against OKC this season
  • Memphis Grizzlies: 15-16 (9th place) – Fighting for playoff positioning

The Spurs deserve special mention for their remarkable turnaround. Their perfect record against the Thunder has given them a legitimate argument for being the best team in the West, and they’re no longer being overlooked as title contenders.

Eastern Conference Standings

The Eastern Conference has its own compelling narratives:

  • New York Knicks: NBA Cup champions, solidified as a top-two team in the East
  • Orlando Magic: 17-14 (6th place) – Building something special in Florida
  • Chicago Bulls: 15-15 (9th place) – Hovering around .500
  • Milwaukee Bucks: 12-19 (11th place) – Struggling despite their championship window
  • Washington Wizards: 6-23 (14th place) – League’s worst record

The Knicks’ NBA Cup triumph over San Antonio in December has energized their fanbase and established them as genuine Eastern Conference favorites. Their combination of talent and cohesion makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Rookie Ladder Update

The rookie class continues to impress, with the top three spots in the Rookie of the Year race further solidifying themselves as the season progresses. Young talent across the league is making immediate impacts on their respective teams.

What’s Next

As the season moves past the Christmas showcase, the focus shifts to the second half push. Teams will be looking to solidify playoff positions while individual players make their cases for end-of-season awards.

All eyes will remain on Jokic and the Nuggets as they look to defend their position and potentially add another MVP trophy to the Serbian star’s growing collection. Meanwhile, the Spurs’ emergence and the Knicks’ championship aspirations ensure plenty of storylines to follow heading into 2026.