Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two frontrunners in this season’s MVP race, squared off for the second time in as many nights on Monday. This time, it was Jokić who led his Denver Nuggets to a commanding 140-127 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. After the game, Jokić addressed the MVP discussion with his trademark nonchalance.
“This is my third or fourth year in a row, so…I can’t control it,” Jokić said. “I will say I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so if that’s enough, it’s enough. If not, the guy deserves it. He’s really amazing.”
Despite his dominance, Jokić has never actively campaigned for the MVP award and isn’t about to start now. While winning a fourth MVP would be an incredible achievement, the 30-year-old insists he won’t lose sleep if Gilgeous-Alexander takes the trophy instead.
However, performances like Monday’s certainly bolster his case. Jokić delivered a masterpiece with 35 points (15-20 FG), 18 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block. He was flawless in the second half, going 5-for-5 from the field in the fourth quarter while battling through ankle and elbow injuries. His efforts helped Denver improve to 42-23 on the season.
Jokić’s numbers this season further validate his claim of playing the best basketball of his career. He’s averaging a staggering 28.9 points, 13.0 rebounds, 10.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 57.7% from the field and 43.0% from beyond the arc. In most seasons, such numbers would make him the clear MVP favorite—but not this year.
Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder to a league-best 53-12 record while averaging 32.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Although he posted a modest 25 points (8-14 FG) in Monday’s loss, he shined in Sunday’s first matchup, scoring 40 points in a 127-103 Thunder win. A second victory could have all but locked up the MVP race for him.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone made his stance clear when asked whether this has been the best season of Jokić’s career. He also took a shot at the MVP voting process.
“As we wind down this season, the MVP debate is only going to intensify,” Malone said. “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a great player, and if he wins his first MVP, he deserves it. But my thing is this: If you didn’t know Nikola had already won three MVPs, and you compared Player A and Player B on paper, the guy averaging a triple-double and ranking top three in all major statistical categories wins 10 times out of 10. And if you don’t think so, I think you guys are all full of s***.”
Malone’s frustration likely stems from voter fatigue. Jokić already won MVP in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and that history may be working against him. If this were his first time in contention, he might be the clear favorite.
Still, Gilgeous-Alexander’s case is undeniable. He has led Oklahoma City to the NBA’s best record while delivering outstanding individual performances. Whether Jokić secures his fourth MVP or SGA claims his first, this race is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing