Let’s make this totally clear: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is easily one of the best players in the NBA and has completely earned the right to win his second MVP trophy.
His Hall of Fame talent has been on clear display throughout the season and emerged once again on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors.
Nikola Jokic tonight:
37 PTS
18 REB
5 AST
3 STL
14-22 FGThere’s only so much one man can do. pic.twitter.com/Er3tQ2QfnQ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 22, 2022
Jokic put up a stunning double-double of 37 points and 18 rebounds.
He also had 5 steals and 3 assists and shot 14-of-22.
Yet, the Nuggets still fell to the Warriors and are in a possibly-insurmountable 3-0 hole in the first round.
Even with Jokic playing like the All-Star he is, the team still struggles.
He is proving once again that a one-man team can’t find success in the league.
Better Luck Next Year?
The season is ending in a hugely disappointing fashion for the Nuggets.
There was a time when some fans really saw the team making the Western Conference Finals.
But those hopes are completely dashed now and a first-round exit seems unavoidable.
Jokic had a terrific season – MVP-caliber without a doubt – but the team needs more to turn its fortunes around.
The biggest things that could help the Nuggets next year are the returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
If those two players came back to the team, Jokic would be receiving a whole lot of backcourt help and much of the pressure would be off his shoulders.
While Jokic’s stats would go down a little bit, the Nuggets’ chances of long-term success would go up.
Jokic has been carrying the team as much as he can but that can only get them so far.
The Nuggets can be terrific again but they need more than just Jokic leading the way.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Off To A Nightmare Start Against The Warriors