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Despite facing issues with his elbow, Jokic was determined not to miss the second game of the back-to-back series against the Thunder, especially following his team’s loss in the first encounter. True to expectations, he took charge and propelled the Denver Nuggets to a crucial victory, solidifying their second position in the Western Conference.
Jokic was just two assists short of achieving yet another remarkable triple-double and currently ranks among the top three players in the NBA for points, rebounds, and assists—an unprecedented achievement for an entire season. He is on course to become only the second player since 1962 to maintain a triple-double average throughout the season.
Once more, he has made a compelling case in the MVP discussion, which this year appears to be a contest primarily between him and Oklahoma’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“This is my third or fourth consecutive year, so I’m really — I don’t know. I can’t control it. Clearly, I feel like I’m playing the best basketball of my career. So if that’s sufficient, great. If not, he certainly deserves it; he’s truly phenomenal,” Jokic remarked.
In his characteristic manner, the Joker shared his reasoning for wanting to participate in the rematch against the Thunder.
“Because if I sit out, I’ll just be working out with (strength coach) Felipe (Eichenberger), and that’s way tougher than actually playing.”
His head coach, Michael Malone, believes that Jokic’s primary challenge in the MVP race stems from the fact that he has already secured the award three times in the past four years.
“Of course, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an outstanding player, and if he captures his first MVP, he has earned it. My perspective is this: If you didn’t know that Nikola had won three MVPs and I presented Player A and Player B’s stats on paper… The player averaging a triple-double, who ranks top three in all the major statistical categories—things that no one has ever achieved—would win the MVP every single time. And if you disagree, I believe you’re mistaken,” Malone stated.
