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Nikola Jokic set the tone this week by downplaying the importance of Wednesday’s game against Minnesota, then dominating it to lead Denver to the top of the Western Conference with a 116-107 thumping of the Timberwolves.
Grujic scored 41 points while making 16 of his 20 shots while being mostly covered by Rudy Gobert, the front-runner for Kia Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing out seven assists, the reigning Finals MVP took control late in the third quarter and destroyed the NBA’s best defense.
Jokic virtually rubberstamped Kia MVP No. 3 for the six-time All-Star with his 20th 40-point performance.
From this angle, it appears that way, at least.
Jokic, then, wins the final Kia Race to the MVP Ladder for 2023–2024 for the fourth season in a row.
Jokic would join three-time winners Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Moses Malone if he wins a third MVP award. The only players with more MVP awards are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six), Michael Jordan (five), Bill Russell (five), LeBron James (four), and Wilt Chamberlain (four).
You may thus dispute the historical background here.
Jokic, though, seems ready to land exactly where he (rightfully) belongs.
A useful statistic is 25-12-8. Jokic is almost certain to become just the second player since Oscar Robertson (30.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 11.4 apg) in 1961–62 to average those stats in a season, given his average of 26.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. Robertson completed the feat in 44.3 minutes on average. Jokic’s mileage is 34.6 mpg.
What they’re saying: “It only goes to show how brilliant Nikola is that Rudy Gobert is going to be recognized as one of his generation’s top defenders. Nobody in the NBA, in my opinion, can stop Nikola one-on-one. Michael Malone, coach of the Nuggets.
- Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic
Ranking from last week: first place
Season averages: 9. apg, 12.4 rpg, and 26.6 ppg
In his favor, Jokic is ranked first overall (664), second overall (691), third overall (954), and fifth overall (2,048) in terms of points. In a few hustling metrics, the veteran is ranked in the top 10.
Next, examine data such as player effect estimate or real shooting percentage in clutch circumstances (69.8%) while assessing Jokic’s position. Jokic’s case gets even stronger if the Nuggets prevail, as he fulfills the majority of the requirements.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Prior week’s standings: third
Season statistics: 5.6 rpg, 6.2 apg, and 30.4 ppg
His case: Considering the momentum Luka Doncic created with victories and impressive stats during Gilgeous-Alexander’s six-game absence from OKC’s previous nine games, this was a difficult choice. Despite being a virtual unknown, SGA has managed to lead a team into the Western Conference after playing three more games than Doncic.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ease was evident in Wednesday’s victory over San Antonio, despite the absence of the ailment. Since coming back into the starting lineup, the two-way standout has scored 66 points in total in only two games.
- The Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic
Position as of last week: No. 2
Season averages: 9.2 rpg, 9.8 apg, and 33.9 ppg
His argument: With the Mavericks having won 16 of their last 18 games, including Wednesday’s 111-92 victory over Miami, it is important to remember that Doncic flourished throughout a turbulent season in Dallas. On his way to a 29-point performance, Doncic scorched the Heat for 13 points in the opening quarter.
If you have Doncic at number two, there is no argument in this case. While traveling a more difficult path, he has produced more than Gilgeous-Alexander. He does, however, also play with a potential Hall of Famer.
- Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Order from last week: No. 4
Seasonal averages: 11.5 rpg, 6.5 apg, and 30.4 ppg
His situation: Similar to Doncic, Antetokounmpo has thrived in the face of adversity, averaging over 30 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a career-high 6.5 assists while displaying astounding efficiency. A left soleus strain will keep him out of action for the rest of the regular season.
But let’s hope that when the playoffs get underway, the eight-time All-Star will be back. In Tuesday’s victory over Boston, Antetokounmpo got off to a quick start before sustaining this most recent injury late in the third quarter.
- Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum
Order from last week: No. 5.
Season averages: 8.1 rpg, 4.9 apg, and 26.9 ppg
His argument: Perhaps Jalen Brunson or Anthony Edwards should take this position. However, it’s difficult to minimize Tatum’s contribution to a club that has dominated this season historically. Tatum’s development has been the primary factor in Boston’s recent lockout of the top spot in both the NBA and the Eastern Conference.
Comment on the supporting cast as you please. However, before turning 26 on March 3, Tatum had made more 3-pointers (1,239) than any other player and was fifth in regular-season wins (327) during that time.
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