LeBron James is the last player to secure four MVP wins in five years. However, that could shift soon, considering the dominating, fourth-MVP-worthy, career-year Nikola Jokić is conjuring. Jokić is on a master tear and has been since day one. He’s put up some ridiculous, unbelievable stat lines throughout the season. The recent back-to-back matchups against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s Oklahoma City Thunder only add to the brilliance that emulates from Jokić’s inevitable skill and gifting as an elite, elite basketball player. The tug-o-war between Jokić and SGA has entertained and fueled much of the season’s excitement and daily talk show debate. That tug-o-war, though, as great as SGA is playing this season, might lead to The Joker getting the last laugh. In turn, this forces SGA to wait just a little bit longer to secure his first MVP glory while Jokić relishes in his fourth.
Nikola Jokić’s Fourth MVP Bid More Alive Than Ever
Nikola Jokić’s Career Year Putting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Chances in Jeopardy
There’s no doubt that it’s going to be a battle down to the final day. It’s precisely what the NBA needs at a pivotal time in their existence. However, two international superstars out-dueling the field is another testament to the fact that Europe (and the Canadian) dominate the league. You have to stand up for SGA. He has led the Thunder to first place in the West and who are a widely expected championship finals combatant. That being said, Jokić remains the best player in the league, and he will not go quietly into the night without fighting for that fourth most valuable player honor. The way he’s playing this season, and especially of late, that fourth most valuable player honor isn’t far away.
For many, Jokić has spent the season in second place in the MVP race. OKC’s dominance and record have contributed to that, while Denver hasn’t always played consistently and, well, good basketball, to be frank. They waded through rough waters early on, and their ability to contend for a championship this season was questioned. Jokić has changed that, as has the emergence of Jamal Murray, who struggled out of the gate. Jokić, though, has been the catalyst, and his numbers, as insane as they are, indicate that not only can the Nuggets contend again but that Jokić could sway the minds of MVP voters.
A Career-Year Not Finished Yet
Many of Jokić’s statistical performances this season have dropped jaws and caused many to be in disbelief, including Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. On numerous occasions, Malone has gone to the post-game podium in awe of Jokić’s numbers. In the back-to-back against OKC, Jokić posted 24-13-9 with one block and three steals in Saturday’s showdown. On Sunday, he one-upped the previous night’s numbers by going for 35-18-8 with another steal and block. Denver and Oklahoma split the weekend, but Jokić dominated it. What he did in back-to-back performances, one of them being a losing effort, showed why his bid for another MVP is not lost.
One look at Jokić’s overall numbers for the season has to keep him in close contention for that reason alone. During the 2024-25 campaign, Jokić has played more minutes (36), averaged more points (28.9), more assists (10.5), and more steals (1.8) than ever in his career. On top of that, he’s shooting his best percentage from three at 43%. On top of that, he’s averaging a triple-double for the season. And if you’re wondering why his rebounds weren’t included above, his career average is 13.8. His average this year is 13. If you can ignore the .8, he’s essentially mirrored his career best. With 17 games left in Denver’s season, that’s 17 more games Jokić has to make his case for a fourth MVP bid. His chances? They’re solid. If he happens to lose out to SGA, we all know the true MVPs in Jokic’s life: his horses.
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