3 Crucial games left that could bolster Giannis Antetokounmpo's 2023-24 MVP case

2. Thunder vs Bucks - April 12

Facing another MVP contender is a pretty good way to surpass him in the ladder. Giannis won't face Jokic again in the regular season, but he will play against SGA's Thunder, a great scenario to prove himself as the better of the two in this race.

In fact, the Bucks haven't met OKC yet, so there are two games left against them, both presenting a perfect chance for a strong showing. But the one scheduled on April 12 seems like the better one for a few reasons.

First, it's the latest one, which could actually be either a good or a bad thing. Being the second to last game of the regular season, it will really work as a tie-breaker if any of the voters are still doubtful, with two title contenders going face-to-face for their last real test before the playoffs start. If Giannis and the Bucks walk away as the winners, a few MVP ballots could be changed that night.

On the other hand, being the second to last game of the regular season puts it at risk of coming too late. The ballots might be already filled at that point, so, if Giannis wants this game to matter as much as it could, he needs some astonishing nights before getting to this point. But if he does it, if he really pulls a comeback and is in real MVP contention by the final week, this game could put the icing on the cake.

Also, this game is played in Oklahoma City, which would make a great Giannis game more impressive. Great games often feel more narrative-changing when they happen in enemy territory rather than at home, making the Paycom Center an almost perfect scenario for a dominant night.

Yet, of course, the perfect scenario is the number one of the list.