With the NBA season heading toward its conclusion, two emerging superstars are becoming must-watch television. Now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are in the chase for the league’s MVP award. Gilgeous-Alexander is tearing up the league right now, leading the entire NBA with an astounding 32.7 points per game. His defensive prowess is evident, anchoring the amazing success of the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. On the other hand, Jokic is affecting his legacy by going on to average a triple double on the season with 33 triple doubles that led the entire league.
Before diving into the historical context, it’s first important to note just how extraordinary Gilgeous-Alexander’s contributions to the Thunder have been. And yet under his disciplined leadership, the greenest team in the NBA historically managed to put together a record-setting 68-win season this year. On top of that, they established the biggest average margin of victory in NBA history, with a plus-12.9 points per game. On March 9, he put his all-around game on full display in a widely anticipated, nationally televised matchup. He scored 40 points, dished eight assists and had three steals, as his team cruised to a blowout victory.
Meanwhile, over in the other NBA, Nikola Jokic is still reminding us that he’s one of the best players to ever play this game. He’s averaging an absurd 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game this season. Year-to-date, this puts him in the top three players in the league for scoring, rebounding and assists. In addition to his offensive contributions, Ivey has made his defensive contributions known, averaging 1.8 steals per game. Jokic even excels shooting the ball, sitting 18th among the best 20 players on the planet in three-point shooting, connecting at a 41.7% success rate.
Both players have done their time with awards and acclaim. As Jokic has run roughshod over the MVP conversation over six of the last seven seasons. Additionally, he has won the highly competitive award three times. Conversely, Gilgeous-Alexander has continuously shied away from MVP talk, boasting a more team-first mentality in his pursuit to win and get better.
In a late-season MVP discussion, Jokic had notable praise for his competition.
“If not, [Gilgeous-Alexander] deserves it. He’s really amazing.” – Nikola Jokic
The arms race between these two players is heating up. They’ve been equally focused on and excited for the upcoming livestream event in which they await the final MVP announcement together. Even Chet Holmgren, a teammate of Gilgeous-Alexander’s, got in on the action on social media, tweeting,
“Lu Dort for DPOY and Shai for MVP or we riot.” – Chet Holmgren
This type of comradery speaks volumes to the encouraging environment that has been established within the Thunder organization, despite their competition for personal accolades.
Gilgeous-Alexander has his feet firmly planted as he approaches each game. He argued that personal honors meant nothing if the team wasn’t winning.
“I love MVPs, I love All-Stars, I love all the accolades that come with it, but none of it matters if you don’t win.” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jokic accepted his MVP candidacy with grace as he deconstructed his unbelievable regular season.
“I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life. So if that’s enough, it’s enough.” – Nikola Jokic
Even more intriguing and controversial has been the prospect of their MVP collision course. Jokic reportedly looked visibly upset when asked about the award. When those unidentified sources went on to say it was Gilgeous-Alexander who exhibited those reactions, it was easy to believe the previous characterization.
And the broader NBA community can’t wait to see the official announcement of that MVP award. Fans and analysts alike are enamored with the transcendent matchup of two of the league’s best talents. With both players excelling in different areas, Gilgeous-Alexander with his scoring and defense, and Jokic with his all-around statistical dominance, the upcoming decision will undoubtedly spark debates across basketball circles.
Leave a Reply