Jokić’s Dose of Discomfort
This was another masterclass by Nikola Jokić, made even more impressive considering that it was the second of a back-to-back, during which a sore right elbow gave him troubles in the previous loss. Many players in such a scenario would choose to rest, but not Jokić.
“I went to him after the game yesterday, told him to take tomorrow’s game off,” said coach Michael Malone. “He was like, ‘Hell no, c’mon man, coach I’m playing.’” Jokić was a force to be reckoned with, playing 40 minutes, hitting 15 out of 20 shots, and finishing with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Support Shows Up
What stood out in this matchup was the remarkable performance of Jokić’s teammates. Despite missing Aaron Gordon and being fatigued from the previous night, the Nuggets came out fighting. Jamal Murray scored 34 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 17, and Peyton Watson chipped in 16 off the bench.
Denver’s shooting was on fire as they made 56% of their three-point attempts and shot 60% overall, a stark contrast to their season trends. The team united for an emphatic victory, overwhelming the Thunder.
Shai is Silent (for Him)
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a night to forget. Averaging 32 points per game, he could only muster 25 points against Denver, thanks to the Nuggets’ stifling defense. They focused on making it tough for him to get the ball, with Christian Braun assigned to guard him closely.
The strategy was to deny Gilgeous-Alexander the opportunity to score. Though his teammates including Lu Dort stepped up with alternate scoring, the overall impact of the Nuggets’ defense kept Shai from dominating.
The MVP Race Rages On
This matchup felt like a microcosm of the ongoing MVP race. Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander are neck and neck, and both players acknowledge their competitive spirits regarding the award. “I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so if that’s enough, it’s enough,” Jokić stated, reflecting the intensity of the race between them.
Malone commented on the historical significance surrounding Jokić, noting how remarkable his contributions are, especially averaging nearly a triple-double. The competition is tough, but the spotlight on these two players makes for riveting viewing as the season progresses.
Which Brings Us to the Winning Factor
The significance of a team’s record often draws debate in MVP conversations. Jokić has faced criticism despite impressive stats due to the Nuggets’ standing in the Western Conference. Currently, they hold the No. 2 seed, but the prevalence of such narratives often affects the votes.
Malone noted, “If you want to use that card, I’m all for it,” reinforcing the idea that while winning matters in MVP discussions, it’s not the sole determinant of the award. The history of past MVP winners shows a mixed track record when it comes to winning percentages, highlighting that subjective interpretation can often skew outcomes.
The ongoing rivalry between Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander intensifies, with every game presenting a new opportunity to sway opinions in this captivating race. Can the Nuggets and Jokić maintain this momentum?
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