The Denver Nuggets are a real threat, and they’ll continue to be one for as long as Nikola Jokic continues to be healthy.
They’re currently sitting at the number one spot in the Western Conference, leading the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans by one game.
Needless to say, most of that credit should go to the reigning MVP, as Jokic has been a wreaking ball throughout the whole campaign.
Despite playing at center, the Serbian big man ranks third in assists per game with 9.5, trailing only Tyrese Haliburton and Trae Young.
So, judging by those numbers, it’s no surprise to see that he’s currently leading the Association in triple-doubles this season after piling up his ninth of the campaign in the win over the Boston Celtics.
The reigning MVP secures his ninth triple-double this season, the most in the NBA 😤 pic.twitter.com/jPXVzYNHo1
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 2, 2023
Jokic is leading the league in multiple advanced stats, such as win shares, and box plus/minus.
Also, the eye test could be more than enough to state that the 27-year-old should be in line to be named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the third year in a row.
However, given the fact that the MVP has always been a narrative-based award, it’s unlikely that any player could win it in three straight seasons.
That’s why Nuggets coach Mike Malone went on to say that voters not considering Jokic for the award this season just because he’s won it two years in a row is just ‘lazy.’
Jokic is averaging 25.7 points to go along with 10.9 rebounds and is shooting 62% from the floor with a 32.4 PER (second-highest in the league).
If those aren’t MVP numbers, then I don’t know what they are.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Dominated In December