Nikola Jokic continues late MVP push with epic performance in OT win over Spurs

Nikola Jokic bolsters MVP case with incredible performance in win over Spurs

Following Saturday's masterful effort, Jokic is averaging 27.9 points per game while also leading the league with 10.9 assists and a 12.9 rebounds per game. It's his second consecutive season averaging a triple-double, continuing a remarkable run of excellence for a player who won his first MVP award in 2021.

He's been particularly dominant during Denver's current eight-game winning streak, averaging 25.4 points, 14.4 rebounds and 13 assists per game to push the team to fourth in the Western Conference standings and just a game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for third place.

It's also kept Jokic firmly in the MVP discussion. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last year's winner, is considered the front-runner to receive the honor once again, but it's increasingly difficult to deny Jokic's case, particularly after performances like Saturday against the Spurs.

His stretch is made even more impressive considering he hasn't missed any action since returning from a hyperextended knee that cost him 16 games from New Year's Eve through Jan. 29. Due to NBA rules, players are only allowed to miss 17 games before being excluded from end-of-season awards, leaving Jokic without much wiggle room over the past two months.

He's done everything possible to ensure the MVP race isn't decided until the final games have been played. At this stage, it's too close to call.