Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Nikola Jokic's Dominant Play is Being Ignored in NBA MVP Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Jan 24, 2025 12:32 PM ET

Finding the words to properly describe just how fantastic Nikola Jokic has been for the Denver Nuggets during the 2024-25 NBA season is a nearly impossible task. To put it plainly, the Joker has been extremely valuable.

This sentiment is coming on the heels of the Nuggets superstar delivering one of the most mind-boggling stat lines in modern history. The Serbian big man recorded 35 points, 22 rebounds, and a season-high 17 assists in a 132-123 victory over the red-hot Sacramento Kings.

Jokic joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in NBA history to record a game with at least 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 15 assists. It was also his fifth-straight triple-double.

Despite the fact that every game seemingly brings some form of new history for Jokic, there is a feeling of 'business as usual' when it comes to how these type of performances are viewed. It is that kind of mentality that continues to plague the Nuggets big man in this year's NBA MVP race.

NBA.com released their latest Kia NBA MVP ladder and the rankings continue to be unfavorable towards Jokic. Jan. 24's edition of the regular installment featured Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander retaining his spot at the top of the list.

Jokic continues to hold onto second despite posting absurd averages of 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.1 assists during the 2024-25 campaign. The Nuggets have ascended all the way up to the fourth seed in the Western Conference amid the individual brilliance from the best player in the world.

Jokic ranks third in the league when it comes to points per game, third in the league in rebounds per game, and second in the league for assists per game. What continues to fly under the radar is the fact that the Nuggets center is also fourth in the league when it comes to steals per game as well.

The Nuggets may need to close the gap on the Thunder in the standings, because it does not seems as though Jokic's historic individual season is going to win him this award otherwise.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: