Epic MVP Showdown: Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander
Few scenarios unsettle Nikola Jokic on the basketball court, but the annual MVP debate certainly does. You can see it on his face—those three letters make him visibly uneasy. Similar to how swiftly he delivers his pinpoint passes, Jokic deflects MVP questions. For six of the last seven seasons, he’s been a formidable MVP contender, snagging the award thrice. However, this year, Jokic did the unexpected: he candidly made a case for his own MVP candidacy.
“I believe I’m playing the best basketball of my life. If that’s enough, it’s enough,” Jokic stated on March 10, following the Denver Nuggets’ 140-127 win over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, his main competitor this season. “If not, Gilgeous-Alexander deserves it. He’s amazing.” Although Jokic didn’t express a desire for a fourth MVP, which would match him with legends like LeBron James and Wilt Chamberlain, he simply conveyed that his current form surpasses even his previous MVP triumphs. Statistically, Jokic’s point is compelling. Besides averaging a sensational triple-double, leading to 33 this season, he ranks within the top tier of multiple categories, achieving milestones no player has reached before.
Yet, an intriguing element this year is Gilgeous-Alexander’s spectacular season. Leading the league with 32.7 points per game while being an all-star on defense, he propelled the youngest squad to a record-breaking 68 wins and the largest average victory margin in NBA history. This sets up the age-old debate of the standout player on the top team versus the one with exceptional individual stats.
When the Nuggets and Thunder faced off on March 9 and 10, the MVP discourse intensified. Gilgeous-Alexander shone with 40 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals, subsequently highlighting the importance of winning over individual accolades. Jokic followed up with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists in their less-publicized victory. While debates sparked briefly across media, focus soon shifted to playoff scenarios. This second-round faceoff between the Thunder and the Nuggets will reignite those conversations, with Game 1 tipping off in Oklahoma City on Monday night.
The MVP will be crowned during a live TNT broadcast in this playoff round, requiring both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic (alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo) to await the outcome while their minds are on securing team victories. Jokic declared post-series with the LA Clippers, “It is the last thing on both our minds.” Historically, MVP wins haven’t translated to championship success since Stephen Curry’s 2015 victory. Jokic, discussing Gilgeous-Alexander’s prowess, admires his unique style and skills, calling him a “very special player.”
While Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledges how meaningful an MVP win would be, he’s focused on team triumphs, allowing others to campaign on his behalf. Past Nuggets coach, Michael Malone, often championed Jokic, but now Christian Braun steps in, praising Jokic’s unprecedented season. On the opposing side, a simple tweet by Thunder’s Chet Holmgren hinted at the fierce desire for recognition for their players.
Despite the ongoing subplot, both Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander choose to remain concentrated on the game ahead. Christian Braun insists Jokic isn’t concerned about personal accolades, while Thunder coach Mark Daigneault agrees that neither will be distracted by the MVP buzz. They’re both firmly dedicated to clinching series success, with MVP honors merely an intriguing footnote.