The race to be the 2022-23 NBA MVP is probably one of the most scrutinized races in a long time. With Nikola Jokic looming on a 3-peat of MVP trophies, new candidates like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo have started making their cases.
The big knock against Jokic has been his lack of defensive impact compared to the other two. He decided to show the voters what he’s capable of defensively in the Nuggets’ win over the Wizards.
[Highlight] Wizards attacking Jokic on defense
by u/alphabetcone in nba
Those are some good help defense plays by Jokic, showing that he is comfortable switching onto the perimeter. However, it doesn’t really show a deep capability in being able to guard out of switches and isolations on the perimeter. There is also inconsistent effort on that end from Jokic, so he needs to do a lot more to be on the same echelon of defenders as Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Can Nikola Jokic Still Win The MVP?
March has been a tough month for Nikola Jokic’s MVP case. The Nuggets have gone 5-5 with some lackluster performances from Jokic. Meanwhile, Embiid is averaging 34.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this month. Giannis is not far behind, averaging 31.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in March.
Jokic is averaging 26.0 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 9.0 assists this month, while his team has clearly struggled. Both Milwaukee and Philadelphia also have a better record than Denver in a harder conference. Ultimately, it doesn’t look like the impact that Jokic has on Denver will be rewarded for a third consecutive season, given the other candidates that have emerged.
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