Nikola Jokic rarely seems out of his element on the basketball court, but the annual discussion surrounding the league`s Most Valuable Player award is a notable exception.
His expression tightens visibly at the mere mention of the MVP acronym. He evades questions about the honor with the same swiftness he uses to deliver his signature no-look passes. Jokic has finished in the top five of MVP voting in six of the last seven seasons, winning three times. This year, however, he did something uncharacteristic: he publicly acknowledged his own strong performance as potentially worthy of the award.
“I believe I`m playing the best basketball of my career right now. If that proves sufficient, great,” Jokic commented on March 10th, following the Denver Nuggets` victory over his primary MVP competitor, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He added, “If not, he [Gilgeous-Alexander] absolutely merits it. He`s truly outstanding.”
Notably, Jokic didn`t express a personal desire to claim what would be his fourth MVP trophy, an achievement that would place him alongside LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain. (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with six, while Michael Jordan and Bill Russell each have five.) He also refrained from stating the award`s personal significance to him.
Jokic`s point was straightforward: he believes he performed at an unprecedented level this season, surpassing even his previous MVP years. He implied that if this premise is accepted, another MVP award would be the logical outcome. Statistically, his argument is compelling.
This season, he averaged a triple-double, pacing the league with 33 such performances. He also finished top three in scoring (29.6), rebounds (12.7), assists (10.2), and steals (1.8), while ranking within the top 20 for 3-point shooting percentage (41.7%). This unique statistical combination had never been achieved, showing his continued impact on the NBA record books.
However, a significant factor distinguishes this year from his past MVP seasons, creating a compelling counter-argument. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also delivered a historic performance. He led the league in scoring (32.7 PPG) and showcased All-NBA level defense, steering the NBA`s youngest squad to 68 victories with an unprecedented average winning margin (+12.9 PPG), eclipsing the mark held by the legendary 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
This frames the MVP narrative as a classic contest between the top player on an elite team and the player with the most dominant individual statistical season.
The MVP discussion only gained significant traction and a slight competitive edge during the back-to-back games between the Nuggets and Thunder on March 9th and 10th, which the teams split.
Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his candidacy with a superb 40 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals in the nationally televised win on March 9th. Post-game, he commented, “I appreciate MVPs, All-Stars, and all such honors, but ultimately, winning is the only thing that truly counts.” The following evening, Jokic responded with his own strong performance, tallying 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Nuggets` less-heralded victory.
For a brief period, sports media outlets extensively debated the candidates, and teammates publicly advocated for their respective stars. Voters were left to deliberate for a month before submitting their ballots. Since that time, both players have consistently offered praise for the other`s exceptional season.
However, the MVP debate has since faded, overshadowed by the impending drama of the NBA playoffs. This second-round playoff series between the Thunder and Nuggets is set to reignite the discussion, beginning with Game 1 in Oklahoma City. Adding another layer, the league`s MVP is scheduled to be revealed live on TNT during this very round.
Consequently, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic (along with Giannis Antetokounmpo) may need to participate in a live announcement event for basketball`s most significant individual honor, despite their complete focus having shifted entirely to their teams` playoff aspirations.
“It`s genuinely the furthest thing from either of our minds,” Jokic stated after the Nuggets clinched their hard-fought first-round series against the LA Clippers in Game 7.
The MVP ballots were submitted long ago. Furthermore, recent history shows little correlation between winning the MVP and securing an NBA championship; no MVP winner since Stephen Curry in 2015 has advanced past the conference finals.
However, when prompted to discuss Gilgeous-Alexander specifically as a player, Jokic became considerably more forthcoming.
“He`s a truly distinct player,” Jokic remarked. “He operates effectively on multiple facets of the game – his speed, his scoring ability. Everything appears effortless for him. Even when defensive efforts seem strong, he navigates them with ease. His command over pace changes, rhythm shifts, and ballhandling is exceptional. He can post up defenders, drive past them, and his mid-range jumper is practically unstoppable. He is indeed a very special talent.”
Gilgeous-Alexander has adopted a different stance regarding the attention accompanying the MVP race. He has openly admitted the award`s significance to him and his desire to win. Yet, he consistently emphasizes that his ultimate focus remains solely on the Oklahoma City Thunder achieving success.
This difference in approach has largely left the public advocacy to others. Historically, former Denver coach Michael Malone often championed Jokic`s MVP case. Following Malone`s abrupt departure late in the season, Nuggets guard-forward Christian Braun stepped into that role.
“In my opinion, Nikola might have had the greatest season in NBA history,” Braun stated. “I doubt we`ll ever witness another player replicate his performance over a single regular season. Both he and Shai are exceptional; the Thunder are a formidable team, and Shai is a superb player. You truly can`t make a wrong selection for MVP. But observing Nikola`s consistent brilliance night after night, it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime display.” Earlier in the season, Thunder center Chet Holmgren tweeted support, simply posting, “Lu Dort for DPOY and Shai for MVP or we riot.”
This MVP narrative adds an intriguing background element to the upcoming series, one that both leading players will likely try their best to disregard. When asked about Jokic`s level of concern regarding the award, Braun confidently replied, “I`m certain he doesn`t care at all.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault echoed this sentiment. “I know Shai much better than Nikola,” Daigneault commented, “but I`m confident enough to say neither will be swayed by the MVP outcome. Both are completely focused on the series. While the MVP adds context, it truly holds no bearing on the actual gameplay.”