Nikola Jokic is having a season for the ages, and his latest performance is a testament to that. The Nuggets’ pivot stuffed the stat sheet in a way that no one in NBA history has before, with 19 assists, 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals. It’s a feat that’s left many wondering if he’s the MVP front-runner, and for good reason.
Those numbers helped the Nuggets secure a 116-125 win over the Indiana Pacers, marking their tenth victory in eleven games. This win propelled them to second place in the Western Conference, surpassing the Grizzlies and trailing only the Thunder. Jokic’s incredible performance is a major factor in the team’s success, and it’s hard to argue with the numbers. As of now, he’s averaging 29.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, making him the leader in all four categories for the Nuggets.
Jokic’s MVP Campaign
Jokic’s impressive stats have his teammates and coaches rallying behind him for the MVP award. “He was MVP last year, and this year he’s better,” said Aaron Gordon, who scored 25 points against the Pacers. “All his numbers are on the rise, and they’re better than Shai’s. I understand he’s on a winning team, but come on… what are we seeing?” Gordon’s sentiments echo the feelings of many who believe Jokic is the clear front-runner for the award. If he wins, it would be his fourth MVP, placing him alongside Wilt Chamberlain and LeBron James, and just behind Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Nuggets’ win over the Pacers was a team effort, with all starters scoring at least 16 points and shooting 50% or better from the field. Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Christian Braun chipped in with 17 points, and Jamal Murray scored 16. Denver dominated the game from start to finish, leading by as many as 17 points in the third quarter. Despite strong performances from Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers couldn’t mount a comeback. As the season progresses, it’s clear that Jokic is the driving force behind the Nuggets’ success, and his MVP campaign is gaining momentum.