The Denver Nuggets have reclaimed sole ownership of first place in the Western Conference, thanks in large part to Nikola Jokic’s recent monster performances. Jokic averaged 28.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists on 59.7 percent shooting in 10 December games before to the Nuggets’ Christmas Day game against the Phoenix Suns.

Simply put, Jokic is playing at an MVP level, and his incredible ability to put up statistics was on show once again, presenting itself as a lump of coal in the Suns’ stockings.

During the Nuggets’ thrilling 128-125 overtime victory over the Suns, Nikola Jokic put Phoenix’s defense to the test, finishing with a historic statline. Jokic scored 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in 44 minutes of action, the best scoring total in a triple-double performance in NBA Christmas Day history.

Furthermore, Jokic became only the third player in NBA history to achieve a 40/15/15 game, joining Oscar Robertson (who did it twice, in 1961 and 1962) and James Harden, who did it in 2016 with an incredible 53-point, 16-rebound, and 17-assist performance.

Nikola Jokic’s incredible run of performances has catapulted him back to the top of the MVP race. His case for a third-straight MVP, only the fourth of his career if he wins the award, only strengthens the more games the Nuggets win.

With Aaron Gordon (who devastated Landry Shamet with a vicious poster) and Jamal Murray (who came alive with a tremendous fourth quarter vs. the Suns) coming into their own, the Nuggets’ regular-season domination could rival Jokic’s, making him a lock for yet another MVP award.