Oct 26, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) guards in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

James Harden Makes Massive Nikola Jokic Statement

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 9:36 PM ET

Two of the top contenders in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, are set to face off in the first round of the NBA playoffs in the four-five matchup. While the Clippers have had success as of late this season with their four leading scorers all over 16 points per game, Denver still runs through one man: Nikola Jokic.

A top contender for the league's MVP award this year alongside Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic became the first big man to ever average a triple-double for an entire season, joining only Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson as the only players to ever do so. When asked about Jokic, Clippers star James Harden made a massive statement.

James Harden is asked whether Jokic is the best player in the world.

"yeah, of course" pic.twitter.com/z4fHvuweDj
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) April 18, 2025

"We know we're dealing with Joker, and he's the engine to the entire team," Harden said when asked about the Clippers trying to beat the Nuggets. Then, when Rachel Nichols asked if Jokic was the best player in the world, Harden kept it simple. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," Harden said in a rather simple statement.

In terms of stats, Jokic ended the 2024-25 regular season with 29.6 points per game, 12.7 rebounds per game, 10.2 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game. All of those averages were career highs for Jokic, except for his rebounding average, which was his second-best.

NIKOLA JOKIĆ, HISTORYMAKER!

29.6 PPG (3rd in NBA)
12.7 RPG (3rd in NBA)
10.2 APG (2nd in NBA)

Since per-game stats began in 1969-70, Nikola Jokić is the FIRST player to finish top 3 in PPG, RPG, & APG in a single season pic.twitter.com/19advhKc3c
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2025

Regardless of where players like Harden or fans stand on the debate, Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander will have the chance to prove their rankings among NBA players these playoffs, with both teams having high expectations.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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