Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: NBA MVP tale of the tape

Nikola Jokic got his revenge on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Monday night as the Nuggets beat the Thunder, 140-127, to level up the regular-season series at two wins apiece. The win came just a day after SGA prevailed in the battle of lead MVP candidates with a 40-point performance to script Thunder's dominant victory. 

As we enter the season's home stretch, picking a clear-cut MVP is a tall order. Instead of comparing statistics, let's delve into the intangibles in an attempt to select a winner.

Workload

Has there ever been a superior one-man band in NBA lore? Jokic remains the only three-time MVP in the league's 78-year history to never play next to an active All-NBA or All-Star player. Some expected Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. to take that leap this season. Neither has emerged as a reliable sidekick to Jokic, who is notching career-highs in minutes (36.3), points (28.9), assists (10.5), steals (1.8), 3PM (1.9), 3P% (43) and triple-doubles (29). Furthermore, he is attempting an uncharacteristic 19.2 shots (also a career-high) because he can't always rely on his teammates. Besides all his offensive load, Jokic is Denver's sole rim protector and defensive anchor — a role he doesn't excel in but is serviceable at. The same can't be said about SGA, who has two dynamic offensive sidekicks in Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren and a battery of lockdown defenders in his midst.

Winner: Jokic (1-0)

Clutch reliability

There isn't a better "get a bucket" star in the NBA than SGA. The Toronto native leads in points (32.7) and drives per game (20.3) and is second in ISO points (7.7) and points as the PNR ball-handler (10.5). When he gets to his midrange spots, he's nearly automatic, and there's nothing defenses can do to stop him. He also has the Michael Jordan-esque quality of sinking tough shots over multiple defenders. His nifty snake dribble lets him initiate contact and repeatedly sends him to the line. These traits make him ultra-reliable in close games. Meanwhile, Jokic can be thrown off his rhythm when defenses collapse and trap him. Last year's conference semifinals proved that when Minnesota threw multiple bodies at him, causing him to grow tired over the seven-game series. A fatigued Jokic means Denver suffers in other departments, too, including playmaking, rebounding and defense. 

Winner: Gilgeous-Alexander (1-1)

The narrative

As is the case every year, the MVP needs to sell voters on a narrative, more so than counting stats or team success. In Jokic's case, though, ignoring the sheer volume of numbers is impractical. The Serb is set to become the first non-guard to average a triple-double, joining only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. His numbers have drawn comparisons to Wilt Chamberlain's 1961-62 season, with a realistic argument of him having a superior year. If Jokic were to attempt 39.5 shots, as "The Big Dipper" did 63 years ago, he'd be averaging 61.4 points based on his staggering 58/43/81 shooting splits. As for SGA, consistency is his selling point. The Thunder star has scored 20 or more points in 59 straight games and has the most 10+, 20+, 30+, 40+, and 50+ point games. He also gets the sympathy nod of voters who rewarded Jokic last year in a similarly close MVP race. 

Winner: Draw (1-1-1)

A cop-out? Yes. There really is no wrong choice here. 

Will there be a tipping point that sways voters? If Jokic finishes the season averaging a 30-point triple-double and leads the Nuggets to 55 wins (both on the cards), he might have done enough to clinch his fourth MVP. If OKC (53-12) finishes with the league-best record over Cleveland (54-10), Gilgeous-Alexander further bolsters his case.

If there was ever a season for a co-MVP, this may be it.