Nikola Jokic is once again setting new records in the NBA.
The Serbian superstar is averaging a triple-double season with 28-12-10 splits – a feat only previously achieved by his teammate, Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.
Nikola Jokic‘s leadership has helped the Denver Nuggets become a contender for a top three finish in the Western Conference.
In what was a big game against the Phoenix Suns on March 7, Jokic once again stepped up for his side with historic numbers.
He added 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds in the 149-141 overtime win and became the first NBA player ever to have a 30-20-20 game.
The Joker, who has already won three MVP trophies, is continuing to prove a case for a fourth one with performances like the one against the Suns.
His contributions have been lauded by players with Suns’ Kevin Durant even correcting a reporter’s remark on Jokic’s MVP case.
The consensus among the NBA media is that Jokic is in the MVP race with OKC Thunder‘s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
While both the stars continue putting up special numbers on a nightly basis, the discussions have started to intensify as the season comes to the business end.
In his post-game interview, a reporter labelled Jokic as an underdog in the MVP conversation to Jokic, but was immediately corrected by Durant.
“No he is not, stop it.
“I’m not going to let y’all keep doing that.
“Jokic is never an underdog any situation, stop,” said Durant
When asked, if he felt Jokic was his MVP, Durant added: “I’m just saying he’s not an underdog, I don’t know who it should be, both of them playing great ball, but Jokic should never be an underdog again.
“That ____’s out the window after his first MVP.”
Jokic’s competition in the MVP conversations for the past few seasons has been Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid, but he has struggles with injuries and been ruled out for the rest of this season.
Last campaign, SGA made his presence felt, but Joker had done just enough to edge his way through and win his third MVP trophy.
However, his performances this season have helped Gilgeous-Alexander get some love in the MVP conversations.
While Jokic has constantly been breaking records this season, SGA is leading the league in scoring, averaging over 32 PPG, while leading his Thunder side to a top seed finish in the West.
What is going to make things interesting is when the two face off twice in three days on March 9 and March 11.
Often when two MVP contenders meet towards the business end of the season, all eyes are on the encounter to see who outshines their counterpart.
Now whether that changes the voting is something that only time will tell, but it is clear both the stars will have deservedly earned the honour if they edged the other to win the prestigious trophy.
