Jokić presses MVP claim as Denver continue hot streak

A 38-point, 18-rebound Nikola Jokić double-double has powered the Denver Nuggets to a 106-100 win in Sacramento, making it their fourth-straight and 10th from their past 11 games.

Monte Morris added 20 points and 4 assists of his own, whilst Bryn Forbes hit a trifecta of threes in 16 minutes off the bench. For Sacramento, De’Aaron Fox poured on 32 points and 10 assists, whilst Harrison Barnes added 17, however, it was not enough for the Sabonis-less Kings to overcome the reigning-MVP.

Jokić has enjoyed yet another historic season and has his Nuggets firmly within the playoff picture, with cavalry hoping to return in time for the postseason in the form of injured stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Despite missing two of his running-mates for most of the season, the silky Serbian has put together one of the more impressive campaigns in memory, averaging 26.1 ppg, 13.9 rpg and 8.1 apg on 61.8 eFG%, looking to become the first player in NBA history to hit those marks over the course of an entire season.

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For him to continue to churn out these historic numbers minus his two best teammates is absurd and calls for his MVP candidacy continue to grow. Jokić currently leads the league in virtually every advanced metric and has made steady leaps as both a defender and rebounder. His production has improved in recent weeks as well, with the 27-year-old averaging 27.5 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 9.3 apg over his past 22 games.

Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid is still the betting favourite to take home the MVP, having put together an incredible season, with his 76ers currently sitting at third in the East and poised to make a deep playoff run now with James Harden in the fold. Jokić, however, is currently the only player in the league in the top 10 for average points, rebounds, and assists, all whilst leading the league in triple-doubles.

The final month of the season will have an enormous impact on standings and individual awards, with Embiid, Jokić, and fellow international star Giannis Antetokounmpo all vying for the league’s highest individual honour.

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