Nikola Jokić still remains at No. 1, but Jaylen Brown has crept into the Top 5 in this week's Kia MVP Ladder. Durant takes 7th on all-time scoring list but Blazers storm back on night of furious finishes also featuring OKC and Giannis.

From a user experience perspective, it doesn't get more frustrating than when a site makes changes just for the sake of change. ESPN certainly fell victim to that this basketball season. But hey, at least the network took notice to the widespread complaints.

ESPN has had one of its most-viewed starts to the NBA regular season since it started to carry games in 2002. According to the network and Nielsen, ESPN averaged 2.6 million viewers in its first 21 games through Christmas,

ESPN's NBA studio shows have also experienced increased viewership. "Inside the NBA" is averaging 1.2 million in its first season on ESPN, up 135% compared to last year's regular-season average on TNT.

In the interim though, fans can at least look forward to a far greater number of Inside the NBA episodes as the postseason approaches. Shaq’s recent comments give me the impression that he’ll be revved up and ready to go when it’s time to get in front of the cameras again. The show returns to ESPN on January 24.

ESPN proposes a trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings aimed at addressing LA’s defensive concerns.

ESPN is off to one of its strongest NBA starts in more than two decades. According to the network and Nielsen, ESPN averaged 2.6 million viewers across its first 21 NBA games through Christmas, a 35 percent increase over last season.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics NBA game from 8 January 2026 on ESPN (UK).