Jokić Shines in Nuggets’ Win Over Thunder, Strengthens MVP Case

Posted : 11 March 2025

Nikola Jokić delivered a dominant performance on Monday night, showcasing why he remains a top MVP candidate. Battling ankle and elbow injuries, he led the Denver Nuggets to a 140-127 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with an impressive stat line of 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists.

His display overshadowed Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 25 points and 7 assists. Despite the stellar performance, Jokić remains uninterested in lobbying for MVP votes, instead focusing on leading his team as they push for a strong finish to the season.

Denver adjusted its defensive approach after Sunday’s loss to Oklahoma City, limiting Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact by deploying a zone and doubling him frequently. The strategy proved effective, holding him to just 14 field goal attempts and only 2 points in the fourth quarter.

Jokić played a crucial role in closing out the game, making all five of his fourth-quarter shots and contributing several key assists. He acknowledged Gilgeous-Alexander’s skill, calling him one of the league’s best and praising his elite midrange game, but Denver’s defense ensured he couldn't dominate as he had in their previous matchup.

Despite coach Michael Malone’s attempts to rest him due to his injuries, Jokić refused to sit out, determined to help his team bounce back. He dismissed the idea of missing the game, joking that skipping it would mean enduring a grueling workout with the team's strength coach, something he found more exhausting than playing.

His resilience was on full display as he shot 15-of-20 from the field, making all eight of his attempts in the second half, despite lingering soreness in his shooting elbow. His ability to perform at such a high level despite physical setbacks only added to his case for a fourth MVP title in five seasons.

As the season nears its conclusion, the MVP race between Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander is heating up, with Malone making a strong argument for his star player. The coach pointed out Jokić's statistical dominance across multiple categories, asserting that if voters were to assess the numbers blindly, the Nuggets' leader would win the award unanimously.

While acknowledging Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance, Malone emphasized Jokić’s historical achievements and his unparalleled impact on the game. With Denver climbing to second in the Western Conference, Jokić’s case for MVP continues to strengthen, but as always, his focus remains on winning rather than individual accolades.

Jokić Shines in Nuggets’ Win Over Thunder, Strengthens MVP Case

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