Does Jokic’s historical triple-double against Charlotte help him in the MVP race?

Don’t get me unsuitable; I’m not suggesting that individuals ought to or have written off Nikola Jokic from the MVP race. However after his efficiency on Sunday towards Charlotte, the Joker reminded us why he’s the back-to-back common season MVP and that he’s not going anyplace. If 40 factors will not be already spectacular, Jokic punched in a career-high 27 rebounds (20 at halftime) and dished out ten assists because the Nuggets edged the Hornets 119-115.

Strive that on your 81st profession triple-double and fifth of the season. Everyone who pays consideration to basketball is aware of that Jokic can rating with ease, in addition to unfold the ground and make performs for his teammates. Jokic is averaging 10.9 boards per recreation this season however almost tripled it on a cheat-code-like efficiency.

“I didn’t understand it was a 40-27-10 night time however I knew he was having one other Nikola Jokic stellar efficiency, environment friendly”, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone instructed the media. “And it’s not nearly Nikola. It’s about his capability to make each one in all his teammates higher. Yeah, Nikola is a generational expertise.”

Jokic joins an elite group

Did coach Malone need to say it? Jokic being a generational expertise is frequent information to NBA followers all over the place. And with Sunday’s efficiency, the 27-year-old joins an elite membership of gamers to file an identical stat line within the league. The one different two gamers to file at the very least 40 factors, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a single recreation are Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.

Chamberlain, who is understood to the plenty for being the one NBA participant to attain 100 factors in a recreation, achieved this uncommon triple-double feat 4 instances in his profession. Chamberlain’s 53 factors, 32 rebounds, and 14 assists towards the Los Angeles Lakers on March 18, 1968, was the final time the feat was achieved previous to Jokic. 54 years later, the Serbian celebrity has added one other piece to his rising assortment of milestones.

Can Jokic win MVP for a 3rd straight 12 months?

It’s approach too early to provide a definitive reply. And with the quantity of expertise within the league and the seasons they’re having, it may possibly turn into a handful to attempt to take note of each single MVP candidate. “Let your recreation do the speaking”, is a typical saying in sports activities, and that’s precisely what Jokic did final night time.

With gamers similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, and Jayson Tatum having stellar campaigns, the MVP race warrants a giant display screen and a bowl of popcorn. The NBA’s newest KIA MVP Ladder replace additionally added Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson to the dialog. Moreover, Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis are each out because of accidents. The race to the highest change destiny at any given second. The NBA’s Michael Wright listed Tatum because the front-runner and the Greek Freak proper behind him. Sitting quietly on the third spot, you guessed it, Jokic.

Jokic doesn’t have a flashy persona like some NBA gamers. He comes throughout as somebody who got here to play basketball and does it very nicely. Again in Might, Jokic obtained his second common season MVP award. Whereas these earlier than him had formal ceremonies, placed on a pleasant swimsuit, and gave a speech in entrance of teammates, coaches, household, associates, and the media, Jokic accepted his award in a horse secure in his dwelling nation of Serbia. His laid-back, no-nonsense persona may be an element as to why it seems as if followers haven’t paid a lot consideration to him this season. Or possibly as a result of he’s the back-to-back MVP and will get a 3rd, followers simply need another person to win. Both approach, his worth exhibits because the Nuggets are at the moment third within the West. Performances just like the one he had on Sunday are his approach of reminding us that he’s nonetheless very a lot current and within the operating.

A person of few phrases, Jokic merely stated “I imply, after all [the] opposing group has to overlook the photographs, and I used to be there, in the proper spot”, when requested about his 27 rebounds.