Nikola Jokić’s Silent Mastery: Why the MVP Conversation Needs a Reality Check

Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Nikola Jokić just had another monster game. The Denver Nuggets’ superstar continues to redefine what excellence looks like in the NBA, yet his brilliance is so routine that it often slips under the radar. While the basketball world buzzes about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic run, Jokić’s nightly dominance is met with a shrug. It’s time to ask: Are we taking one of the greatest offensive engines of all time for granted?

The Game That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

On a chilly December night, Jokić delivered a performance that should have dominated sports headlines. Facing the Sacramento Kings—a team that, yes, has struggled but also handed the Nuggets a loss just three weeks prior—Jokić posted 36 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and only one turnover. The kicker? He did it in just 29 minutes, shooting an absurd 14-of-16 from the field (88%).

He didn’t play a single second of the fourth quarter. In today’s NBA, where efficiency is king, Jokić’s output was not just elite—it was historic. For context, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was celebrated just a night earlier for scoring 28 points in 27 minutes. But Jokić did even better, and he did it with even less fanfare.

The Nuggets’ Resilience: Winning Against the Odds

While the Thunder are on pace to win a staggering 75-plus games this season, the Nuggets’ 62-win pace is arguably more impressive. Denver currently holds the number two seed in the Western Conference, despite being without two of their four best players—Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun—for more than half the season.

With Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson starting for a month, Denver’s bench has been stretched thin. Yet, the Nuggets remain the NBA’s number one offense. This speaks volumes about Jokić’s impact. Half of his triple-doubles come through three quarters. Like SGA, Jokić doesn’t need the fourth quarter to put up massive numbers—but unlike SGA, his supporting cast is far less stacked.

The SGA Effect: Efficiency, Defense, and Depth

The internet has been ablaze with praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His efficiency is remarkable; he’s on a trajectory reminiscent of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. But while SGA is in the midst of one of the greatest five-season runs in NBA history, the Thunder’s success is built on something different: defense.

Last season, Oklahoma City finished with a relative defensive rating of 6.92—good for 10th-best all-time. This season, they’ve nearly doubled that mark, sitting at 12.93. If this holds, they’ll be the best defensive team in NBA history by a margin so large it dwarfs the gap between second and 64th place.

Their roster features five All-NBA defensive caliber players: Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Jaylen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren—who is the odds-on favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. SGA, for all his offensive brilliance, is not the principal reason for the Thunder’s wins. He isn’t even the best defender on his own team.

Jokić’s Value: The Sun Around Which Denver Rotates

When it comes to the Denver Nuggets, everything revolves around Nikola Jokić. He is the sun in Denver’s basketball solar system. His value is unmatched. Even when missing key players, the Nuggets remain elite because of him.

Jokić currently leads the league in player efficiency rating (PER), box plus-minus, and is likely to top true shooting percentage after his latest performance. His contributions directly correlate to the Nuggets’ success. In contrast, the Thunder’s winning formula is built on defensive depth, not just SGA’s scoring.

The MVP Debate: Numbers, Impact, and Narrative

This brings us to the heart of the MVP debate. Jokić’s numbers are jaw-dropping: elite efficiency, historic triple-doubles, and a team that wins because of his singular brilliance. Yet, he’s often overlooked in favor of flashier narratives.

Last season, Jokić averaged a 30-point triple-double and didn’t win MVP. This year, he’s outdoing even that, but with the Thunder’s historic win pace, SGA may once again capture the spotlight. The reality is that Jokić’s individual season—missing two of his four best players for half the year, leading a 62-win pace, and anchoring the league’s top offense—should be more than enough for MVP. But precedent suggests otherwise.

The Case for Jokić: Efficiency and Impact

Let’s look at the numbers. SGA is currently seventh in true shooting percentage league-wide. Jokić, after his 88% shooting night, is likely to move from second to first. He’s setting all-time NBA records for PER and box plus-minus. Most importantly, his value to team success is unmatched.

Denver’s offense is built entirely around his skill set. When Jokić sits, the team collapses. When he plays, they dominate. He is the top reason for the Nuggets’ success, and his impact is felt every possession.

The Thunder’s Defense: Historical Greatness

Oklahoma City’s defense deserves its own recognition. With five All-NBA defensive caliber players, they are on pace to be the best defensive team ever. The gap between their defensive rating and second place is historically large. This depth is why they win so many games, not just SGA’s scoring.

The Narrative Problem: Why Jokić May Never Win Another MVP

If Jokić’s current season isn’t enough to win MVP, it’s hard to imagine what would be. The voters have set a precedent: even the greatest individual season in NBA history, producing 60-plus wins while missing key players, isn’t good enough. Jokić may end his career with only three MVPs, despite being the most valuable player year after year.

Conclusion: Appreciating Greatness Before It’s Gone

Nikola Jokić is redefining what it means to be a superstar. His efficiency, impact, and leadership make him the most valuable player in basketball today. Yet, the narrative often overlooks his brilliance in favor of flashier storylines.

As the MVP race heats up, it’s time to appreciate Jokić’s mastery. Whether or not he wins another MVP, his legacy as one of the greatest offensive engines in NBA history is secure. The numbers, the impact, and the wins speak for themselves.

Don’t take Nikola Jokić for granted. We may never see another player like him.