Nikola Jokic says Luka Doncic should be MVP after the Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 107-105.

Nikola Jokic spoke out about the MVP race, stating that Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic should be awarded the trophy following Dallas’ 107-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets. 

“I believe he deserves MVP 100 percent. But, to be honest, that’s not my choice.”

The Dallas Mavericks upset the Denver Nuggets 107-105 on Sunday, with Kyrie Irving sealing the game with a buzzer-beating shot over Jokic. Doncic hit an incredible game-tying three with 25 seconds left, putting Kyrie in position to seal the victory on the final possession. Luka ended the night with 37 points and ten rebounds.

Jokic was thoroughly outplayed by Luka, and the Mavericks’ entire defensive system performed superbly in a difficult contest. Jokic finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and a loss, leaving the Nuggets a half-game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the race for the top slot. 

The MVP Race is heating up.

The MVP race has been closely contested throughout the season, but it is heating up in the final stretch of games. Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be the leading contenders. Jokic averages 25.9 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, and his contribution to Denver’s success is evident. 

Shai leads a young Thunder squad as one of the league’s best stories this season, averaging 30.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. 

The MVP award will most likely be given to the player who leads his or her team to the top seed. The Thunder’s 47-20 record is within reach for Denver, but tonight’s loss to Dallas has harmed their chances severely.

The two fringe contenders are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic. Giannis’ reasoning is questionable given that the Bucks have a minimal chance of catching the Celtics for first place, since they are presently 9.5 games ahead. This season, he’s averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, allowing Milwaukee to remain competitive despite internal turmoil.

Doncic averages 34.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 9.7 assists. He has some of the best overall stats and leads the scoring race by nearly four points this season. The Mavericks are too lowly positioned as a seven seed for Doncic to win the award, but it’s hard to argue that Doncic isn’t the best individual player in the NBA right now without referencing his team’s struggles.

If Dallas can climb the standings by the conclusion of the season and become a 50-win team, Luka will have a shot, but this season is unlikely to crown him. Unless the Mavericks go on a 15-game winning streak, Luka will not be crowned MVP.