The NBA MVP award is a prestigious honor determined by the votes of 100 media members selected by the league, with voting occurring prior to the postseason. This year, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has once again proven himself deserving of this accolade. After securing the MVP for the 2023-24 season, Jokic has remarkably elevated his performance in the current 2024-25 season.
Averaging an impressive 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting an outstanding 57.6% from the field, 41.7% from three-point range, and 80% from the free-throw line, Jokic set personal bests in several categories. Notably, he made history by becoming the third player ever to average a triple-double over a season, joining legends Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.
Jokic’s dominance has contributed significantly to the Nuggets, leading them to a 50-win season and securing a playoff berth as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. His unique ability to impact the game on multiple fronts has drawn comparisons to the game’s all-time greats. He is the only player in the league’s history to finish in the top three of scoring, rebounding, and assists in the same season.
This season has been highlighted by outstanding individual performances, including a remarkable 60-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist game against Minnesota—the third 60-point triple-double in NBA history—and a 30-20-20 game against Phoenix, showcasing his extraordinary skill set.
Jokic leads the league in triple-doubles, with a total of 34 for the season, and boasts the highest performance efficiency rating (PER) at 32.12—reflective of his outstanding impact on the court. Despite these accomplishments, he currently faces tough competition for the MVP award from Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is seen as the slight favorite.
The MVP announcement will take place on Wednesday night ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Regardless of the outcome, Jokic’s sustained excellence solidifies his place in the discussion of the greatest players to ever play the game.
This story highlights the ongoing narrative of Jokic’s career, portraying how his exemplary performance this season strengthens his legacy while adding an exciting element to the competitive MVP race.