LeBron’s Stellar Performance Leads Lakers to In-Season Tournament MVP Ladder and Knockout Rounds

The exhilarating and highly-anticipated In-Season Tournament is now underway, featuring dazzling new uniforms, courts, and unprecedented stakes. The tournament summit witnesses a fierce competition for the inaugural NBA Cup as well as the prestigious title of Most Valuable Player.

The MVP accolade “will be based on the players’ performance in both Group Play and the Knockout Rounds.” With a limited number of games and only eight teams advancing out of Group Play, each victory holds even greater importance in the race for this prestigious award.

Embark on a thrill-filled journey to discover which players are paving the way to secure Tournament MVP honors.

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1. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Last week’s ranking: No. 1

Tournament stats: 28.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 13.5 apg, 1.8 spg, 49.3 FG%

The Pacers’ offensive dynamo has been firing on all cylinders in recent tournament encounters, notably leading Indiana to a thrilling 157-152 victory over Atlanta. Haliburton’s exceptional performance included a stellar 37 points on over 61% shooting alongside 16 assists.

Despite an off-night in the Group Play finale against Detroit, where he still managed to secure 26 points and 10 assists, Haliburton’s ability to consistently deliver superstar-level play even on tougher days is a testament to his true shine.

Haliburton’s instrumental role has transformed Myles Turner into one of the most potent pick-and-roll finishers in the league. Turner has registered over 50 possessions as the roll man this season, ranking fifth, with an astounding 1.51 points per possession.

By emerging triumphant in East Group A, Indiana is advancing to the Knockout Rounds, with Haliburton spearheading their journey.

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2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Last week’s ranking: No. 3

Tournament stats: 25.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 7.5 apg, 1.0 spg, 60.0 FG%

Fans of the In-Season Tournament and advanced analytics alike stand in awe of James’ unparalleled brilliance. The 38-year-old superstar has only missed one of his 18 tournament shots in the restricted area.

Equally impressive is James’ remarkable effectiveness from long range. The Lakers’ maestro has sunk 14 of 24 3-point attempts, all from beyond the perimeter, setting the standard for his team’s shooting proficiency, with more than 50% of their top scorers shooting above 50%.

Having secured their group crown and a spot in the Knockout Rounds with a perfect 4-0 record, the Lakers are setting their eyes on the NBA Cup, driven by James’ insatiable hunger for further accolades.

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3. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks

Last week’s ranking: Honorable mention

Tournament stats: 29.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 6.3 apg, 52.9 FG%, 50.0 3FG%

Every shot from beyond the arc by Lillard feels like a coin flip, albeit with odds stacked against his opponents, particularly in the third quarter where he has converted seven of his nine 3-point attempts.

Lillard’s rapport with his new teammates is flourishing, especially with Brook Lopez reaping the rewards. In Friday’s triumph over Washington, Lillard set up four of his 10 assists for the veteran big man, who went on to match his career-high with 39 points, significantly elevating his shooting percentage after initially struggling to find his rhythm when receiving passes from Lillard.

As one of the tournament’s top scorers, Lillard is living up to his superstar playmaking potential for Milwaukee. By narrowing the gap with Boston in the regular season standings, the Bucks (3-0) now occupy the driver’s seat to clinch East Group B and secure an automatic berth in the Knockout Rounds.

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4. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Tournament stats: 19.7 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 8.3 apg, 2.0 bpg, 53.5 FG%

The competition between Sabonis and teammate De’Aaron Fox is intensifying, especially after Fox’s exceptional 36-point, 12-assist performance on Friday. Although Fox has only played two tournament games compared to Sabonis’ three, Sabonis holds a slight advantage for now.

Sabonis delivered an all-encompassing performance in Friday’s victory over Minnesota, contributing 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks. The win held immense significance, propelling Sacramento (3-0) to the summit of West Group C and a potential spot in the Knockout Rounds.

By triumphing in their final Group Play game against Oklahoma City, Sacramento can seal their place in the next stage of the tournament, a testament to Sabonis’ impact both with and without Fox in the lineup.

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5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Last week’s ranking: Unranked

Tournament stats: 30.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.3 apg, 1.7 spg, 55.4 FG%

Following a disappointing absence due to injury in the tournament opener, Phoenix rallied to win their next three games with Booker in the lineup. The impact of Booker’s return cannot be overstated, with the Suns outscoring their opponents by 55 points in the 99 minutes he has played.

Despite missing one game, Booker’s elite production cements his status as a standout performer. The significance of the wins served as the differentiator, propelling Phoenix into contention for the lone wild card spot in the Western Conference, a remarkable turnaround following a loss to the Lakers and a narrow win over Utah.

Phoenix’s comprehensive victory over Memphis, with Booker contributing 40 points, has virtually secured their place in the Knockout Rounds, illustrating the profound impact of Booker’s contributions.

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Honorable Mention

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings: Remarkably in top form in his first two tournament games back from injury, with a similar performance in the next game possibly elevating him into the Top 5.

Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets: Impressed with an outstanding performance reminiscent of Jokic in Friday’s win over Denver, as Houston remains in contention for victory in West Group B.

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks: Spearheaded New York’s dramatic comeback win over Miami, as the Knicks’ fate in the tournament hinges on the outcome of the final Group Play games.

Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat: Breathtaking statistics, with an overall shooting percentage of 61.5% and 62.5% from downtown in tournament play.

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans: Dominating inside the arc with ease, as New Orleans anxiously awaits Houston’s final game to determine their fate based on point differential.

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Matt Petersen is an interactive producer for NBA.com.

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