Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA. Even before winning the NBA title in 2023, Jokic was generating a lot of buzz for his talent and skill. In this regard, NBA champion Dwight Howard claimed that it was the Nuggets’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2020 playoffs that motivated Jokic to become the player he is today.
While discussing Nikola Jokic’s rise on the “Curious Mike” podcast with Michael Porter Jr., Howard said, “I think when we played them in the Bubble, it lit a fire in him [Jokic]. Like, ‘No way. I’ve got to win. I’ve got to go back and get better.'”
“And then, I could tell in his game, like I watched him slim down a little bit, but I could just see a burst when he was playing. He was moving faster. He’s getting into his actions fast. I watched him before the games, he’s doing dunks and stuff… He took his game to another level.”
Michael Porter Jr., a former champion with the Nuggets, gave Howard his flowers for being a solid matchup against Jokic, adding that he was the only player who gave the Serbian any difficulty. But he followed up by claiming that after winning his first MVP, Nikola Jokic only improved.
The Nuggets’ big man won his first MVP award in the 2020-21 season, right after he lost to the Lakers in the Bubble. After averaging 26-10-8 that year, in alignment with Porter Jr.’s comment, Jokic only improved in the following campaign, as he averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, securing back-to-back MVP awards.
Although many would argue that Nikola Jokic deserved the award in the 2022-23 season, too, since he led the Nuggets to a title the same year, the Serbian would be far more content with the NBA title and the Finals MVP in his possession.
Could Nikola Jokic Win It All This Season?
The 2024-25 season was probably the 30-year-old’s most productive season individually. With an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game, Jokic was nearly unstoppable. Unfortunately, a truly historic performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saw him finish second in the MVP race.
While this could be considered disappointing, the upcoming season presents a golden opportunity for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
After a series of impressive trades and signings in the offseason, the Nuggets have put together a formidable team capable of facing some of the best teams in the league. With a solid blend of star power and depth, the Nuggets are rightfully considered one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
After an inspired performance last season, the Nuggets’ big man will be poised to put on a showcase in the new campaign as well. Although he has had to embrace the “underdog” role for the 2025-26 season, it is evident that they are currently the most legitimate threat to dethrone the reigning champions.
