Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell. That's the list.
In the more than 76-year history of the NBA, only three players have won three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards, and it has been nearly 40 years since Bird last accomplished the feat from 1984 to 1986.
There have been plenty of chances at a three-peat. Michael Jordan -- after whom the trophy was renamed earlier this season -- failed in his bid. So have repeat winners Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, forever linked atop the NBA's all-time scoring list, each fell short twice.