Nikola Jokic opened up on the MVP race and said Dallas Mavericks’ guard Luka Doncic should be awarded the trophy after Dallas’ 107-105 win over the Denver Nuggets.
“I think he deserves the MVP 100 percent. But it’s not my decision, to be honest.”
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a 107-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in a Sunday classic where Kyrie Irving sealed the win with a buzzer-beater over Jokic. Doncic hit an incredible game-tying three with 25 seconds left which put Kyrie in a position to seal the win in the final play. Luka ended the night with 37 points and 10 rebounds.
Jokic was thoroughly outplayed by Luka, as the Mavericks’ overall defensive scheme held up really well in a tough clash. Jokic finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and a loss that puts the Nuggets half a game behind the OKC Thunder in the race to the No. 1 seed.
The MVP Race Is Heating Up
The MVP race has been hotly contested all season long, but is amping up for the final stretch of games. The two leading contenders seem to be Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the OKC Thunder. Jokic is averaging 25.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists with his impact on Denver’s success unquestionable.
Shai is averaging 30.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, leading a young Thunder squad as one of the best stories in the league this season.
The MVP likely goes to whichever player ends up leading their team to the No. 1 seed. The Thunder’s record of 47-20 is within reach for Denver, but tonight’s loss to Dallas hurt their chances slightly.
The two fringe contenders are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. Giannis’ case looks unlikely given the Bucks have a minimal chance at catching the Celtics for the one seed, as they’re currently 9.5 games ahead. He’s averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season, keeping Milwaukee a contender despite internal turmoil all year.
Doncic is averaging 34.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. He has arguably the best overall numbers and is the scoring leader by nearly four points this season. The Mavericks are too low-ranked as a seven seed for Doncic to earn the trophy, but it’s hard to argue against why Doncic isn’t the best individual player in the NBA right now without bringing up his team’s struggles.
If Dallas can somehow climb the standings through the end of the season and be a 50+ win team, Luka will have a shot, but this season likely won’t lead to his coronation. Unless the Mavericks end the season on a 15-game win streak, Luka won’t be winning the MVP.
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