The MVP Race is Heating Up: Nikola Jokić's Dominance Takes Center Stage
The 2019-20 NBA Season: A Bizarre Journey
The 2019-20 NBA season was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It was a campaign like no other, filled with twists and turns that tested the league's resilience. The season abruptly paused in March due to the global pandemic, only to resume months later in the iconic Disney bubble. And what a dramatic return it was, extending until early October, nearly a full year after its commencement.
A Forgotten Star: Nikola Jokić's Quiet Season
Amidst the chaos, a peculiar story unfolded, one that might have slipped under the radar. Nikola Jokić, the 7-foot Nuggets center, had a surprisingly subdued season by his lofty standards. While he showcased his brilliance with impressive stats, including a 30-20-10 game and a 47-point performance, he wasn't the dominant force we've come to expect.
Jokić didn't start in the All-Star Game, missed out on First Team All-NBA, and averaged below 20 points per game. His 3-point shooting percentage dipped to 31.4%, a far cry from his current season's 41.7%. And it was Jamal Murray who stole the spotlight for the Nuggets in the playoffs, leaving Jokić's MVP aspirations unfulfilled.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Jokić finished ninth in MVP voting, a stark contrast to his recent dominance.
The Rise of a Titan: Jokić's Unstoppable Surge
Fast forward to the present, and Nikola Jokić is on an absolute tear. With three Kia MVPs and two runner-up finishes already under his belt, he currently sits atop the Kia Race to the MVP Award. This season, he's a force of nature, a triple-double machine with unparalleled passing skills and elite scoring and rebounding abilities.
Jokić's recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. In an eight-day span, he scored 55 points in a game, followed by a 33-point, 15-rebound, and 16-assist masterpiece, and then scored 26 points without a single free throw attempt. He's shooting an incredible 67% from the field and leads the league in rebounds and assists. And let's not forget, he's averaging a triple-double.
The MVP Ladder Shakes Up
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, the MVP race is already heating up. With Jokić's performances weighing heavily on the ladder, the competition is fierce. Giannis Antetokounmpo, last week's No. 3, will face a challenging week, squaring off against Luka Dončić and Donovan Mitchell as the Bucks take on the Lakers and Cavaliers.
Statistical Brilliance: Jokić's Efficiency
Jokić's efficiency is a sight to behold. He's shooting an astonishing 78% on two-pointers (101-129). Nuggets coach David Adelman couldn't have put it better: "He's the most efficient basketball player I've ever seen ... please show me who else is out there that plays like this, at this efficient level offensively."
The Top 5 MVP Contenders:
Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets: The undisputed leader, Jokić's dominance is unmatched. His season stats speak for themselves: 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game. He's a supreme basketball talent, making the extraordinary look effortless.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Steady and consistent, Gilgeous-Alexander is a force to be reckoned with. He's averaging 32.5 points, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His efficiency and ability to rest in the fourth quarter due to his early dominance are remarkable.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Despite slipping to No. 3, Antetokounmpo remains a powerhouse. With 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, he's a double-double machine, carrying the Bucks on his shoulders.
Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers: Dončić is finally healthy and ready to make his MVP case. With 34.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, he's poised to generate serious MVP buzz, especially if he can maintain his production alongside LeBron James.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: After a slight dip in form last week, Wembanyama bounced back with a historic performance, becoming the first player ever to achieve a unique stat line. His 35-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist, 5-block, and 5-three-pointer game against the Bulls was a testament to his all-around talent. And at 7-foot-4 (or 7-foot-5), he's a towering presence on the court.
The Next 5 and Honorable Mentions:
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
And let's not forget these rising stars: Deni Avdija, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and Austin Reaves.
The MVP race is shaping up to be a thrilling battle, with Jokić setting the pace. But will his dominance continue, or will someone else surge ahead? The season is still young, and the competition is fierce. Stay tuned, as the NBA's brightest stars vie for the league's most prestigious individual honor.
