There are few words to describe how truly dominant Nikola Jokic has been this season. While rightfully asserting his place in the conversation for the MVP award, Jokic has successfully led the Denver Nuggets to a 49-28 record (4th in the West), helping them clinch a playoff spot.
Nikola Jokic has earned a reputation for being one of the most dominant players of the decade. However, the Nuggets superstar has taken this a step further this season. With averages of 27.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per game, Jokic is set to average a triple-double this year, making him the first person since Russell Westbrook to average a triple-double in back-to-back seasons.
With elite playmaking and scoring ability, Jokic has essentially become a walking triple-double machine, even leading the league in triple-doubles four times in the last five years. Despite logging 26 triple-doubles this season, Jokic falls short of his own record of 34 from last season.
Still, drawing a comparison with Russell Westbrook in his prime is nothing to scoff at.
From 2014 to 2021, Westbrook led the league in triple-doubles six times, rightfully earning the nickname, “Mr. Triple Double.” Among these, there were three seasons in which he notched 30+ triple-doubles, even recording a ludicrous 42 in the 2016-17 season.
Between 2016 and 2019, Westbrook was arguably at the peak of his powers, averaging 26.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game during that stretch. Having averaged a triple-double over three consecutive years, the former Thunder superstar was in a league of his own.
Although they play different positions, both Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic are the paragons of dominance on the stat sheet. With Westbrook being named MVP in the 2016-17 season for his exploits, Jokic will hope he is viewed favorably.
Nikola Jokic’s MVP Candidacy Hangs By A Thread
At the current juncture, Nikola Jokic is among the favorites to win the MVP award. According to current projections, Jokic’s rank fluctuates within the top three, primarily being pitted against Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Luka Doncic also in the running.
For the most part, Jokic’s case for being the MVP is as solid as it gets. Aside from being an efficient scorer and leading the league in both rebounds and assists this year, Jokic has been the Nuggets’ most impactful player.
Denver’s performance dipped noticeably during his 16-game absence. With a 10-6 record and an offensive rating of 114.9 without Jokic, it was apparent that the big man provides a significant boost to their overall performance.
While this positions him as a viable candidate for the prestigious award, Jokic’s candidacy hangs by a thread.
Having missed 16 games this season due to injury, Nikola Jokic is only one missed game away from being deemed ineligible for the end-of-season awards. With the NBA’s 65-game rule relegating several players from the conversation, the Nuggets will hope Jokic remains healthy for the remainder of the season to maximize his chances.
