Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has always been a strong contender for MVP, and with another dominant season under his belt, he might be on his way to his third NBA MVP award.
The final lap of the NBA regular season is upon us and the league MVP is still up for grabs as it is a crowded race with several players who built convincing cases for the league's most prestigious prize; however, Nikola Jokic has stood tall amongst other candidates.
Nikola Jokic MVP: The Stats Speak for Themselves
Jokic's stats typically look fantastic throughout the season. He is averaging 29 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game; 0.8 away from averaging a triple-double.
The Serbian player has logged plenty of dominant performances, including his 32-point, 15 assists, and 15 rebound game against the Warriors, which moved him past WIlt Chamberlain (two) for the most 30,15,15 games at three.
However, looking at his advanced stats, you can see that the reigning Finals MVP is head and shoulders above most other players in the running.
Jokic is the leader of box plus/minus over replacement. While his actual shooting percentage is down from 70.1 percent from last season, 65.1 is still really good.
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Nikola Jokic MVP: Compared to the Rest
Compared to other MVP candidates this season, the Joker's numbers are just flat out better.
The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 54.6% shooting. Although SGA averages more points, Jokic is beating Shai out in the rebounds, assists, and advanced stats.
The Thunder and Nuggets are neck and neck for the second seed in the West, despite the Thunder having the benefit of staying on top of the Western Conference for most of the season.
The Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo is facing a coaching change and still figuring out how to play with All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo is having another monster season and is averaging 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting at 61.3%.
Comparatively, Jokic is barely beating him out in the rebounding and assist category as well.
Nikola Jokic MVP: Running Back a Finals Tour
The Nuggets have continued to win and remain a top five team in the Western Conference. Their record is currently 42-19, which stands the same as the Thunder and Timberwolves.
The Nuggets started a bit slow out the gate this season, considering last season they won the NBA Championship. However, they have picked up their game as of late, winning their last six ahead of their matchup tonight against the Suns.
Remaining a top five team in a loaded Western Conference, and possibly topping OKC and the Timberwolves, could benefit the Nikola Jokic MVP case greatly.
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