To absolutely no one’s surprise, Nikola Jokic has emerged as the front-runner of this year’s race towards the MVP title, edging past the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid and fellow European Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic.
This could still change, though, as we’re still just a few weeks into the regular season, and each player’s individual trajectories can potentially change as they move through their respective games. One would even say that it’s too early too tell.
Nevertheless, if we look at their numbers this time, it’s clear that it’s Jokic who stands the best chance of winning the title this year.
NIKOLA JOKIC IS AT THE TOP TO THE MVP RACE #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/soWtp6t0QS
— Nuggets Lead (@NuggetsLead) November 10, 2023
NBA.com’s top contenders for the Kia MVP title:
- Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
- Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
- Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jokic leads Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets’ center has been a consistent contributor to the team’s success this season, posting an average of 29.1 points per game (ppg), 12.9 rebounds per game (rpg), and 8.0 assists per game (apg).
The Nuggets have been able to maintain their position atop the Western Conference standings, currently sitting in first place with a record of 8-1, the only blemish being their 110-89 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Picking up where we left off pic.twitter.com/JGtpCX3EtN
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 10, 2023
Their most recent victory came against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. However, despite having Stephen Curry on board, they were unable to prevent the Nuggets from winning another game, and Jokic once more played a significant role in this triumph. In almost 36 minutes of play, the big man finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds to help the Nuggets defeat the Golden State Warriors 108-105.
“We feel like it’s a good group of guys and we are playing the right way,” Jokic said after the match. “I think that’s why we’re winning the games.”
Still undefeated at home 🏠
Reggie: 20 PTS / 2 REB / 6 AST
KCP: 10 PTS / 3 REB / 3 AST
Joker: 35 PTS / 13 REB / 5 AST / 3 STL
AG: 14 PTS / 11 REB / 3 AST / 3 STL
MPJ: 17 PTS / 8 REB / 2 AST / 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/PjKIt6J0tU— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 9, 2023
Jokic, No. 2 in ESPN rankings
Last month, ESPN released its annual Top 100 NBA Players of the Year list, which featured a selection of players who were projected to be successful during the upcoming season. And Jokic maintained his rank the previous year, landing in No. 2, behind only Milwaukee Bucks Center/Power Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Via ESPN: “Jokic didn’t care much for winning a third-straight MVP down the stretch of the regular season due to the discourse surrounding the race. But he left no doubt who was the best player in the Finals, becoming the first player in history to lead the postseason in points, rebounds and assists. The Suns, Lakers and Heat had no answer.”
Cover Photo: YouTube