Nikola Jokic Wins Third MVP in 4 Years but is He Really the Best NBA Player Right Now?

MVP for the third time, Nikola Jokic is faced with a bigger challenge than his personal accolade. How could he get the Denver Nuggets over the grappling curse of Minnesota Timberwolves' defense?

Published on May 09, 2024  |  11:57 PM IST |  55.8K
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Make way for The Joker

The Denver Nuggets and the team's star center Nikola Jokic are one the two different sides of the same road. 

Jokic has won the Most Valuable Player of the league, also called as MVP, and became one of the nine basketball players to get his hands on it for the third time. On the list, he stands tall with the likes of legendary players like LeBron, Jordan, Magic, and Wilt. 


Nikola Jokic's third NBA MVP title places him in an elite category among basketball legends. The question arises on where he stands amongst the all-time greats in the NBA pantheon. With his remarkable achievements and statistical prowess, Jokic is already considered a top-tier player, potentially cracking the top 20 in NBA history. 

Despite recent game setbacks, a broader view of his career trajectory reveals a player destined for basketball greatness when his playing days are over.


Jokic's dominance extends beyond individual accolades, as evidenced by his pivotal role in leading the Nuggets to a championship in 2023 without an All-Star teammate. This accomplishment underscores his unique impact on the court and places him in rarified air among basketball icons. 

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Additionally, Jokic's impressive statistical records, such as his high PER and BPM ratings, further solidify his standing as one of the premier players of his generation. His consistent excellence both in regular seasons and playoff performances cements his legacy as a force to be reckoned with in NBA history.

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Looking ahead, projections suggest that Jokic has the potential to climb even higher in the all-time rankings, possibly breaking into the top 12 alongside basketball luminaries like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. 


While his GOAT Points system rating provides valuable insights into his career trajectory, the ultimate test lies in Jokic's ability to maintain his MVP-caliber performance over the long term. As he vies to join the inner circle of NBA greats, including legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Jokic's sustained excellence and quest for additional MVP titles will define his place in basketball history.  

Also Read: Byron Scott Suggests Appointing LeBron James as Lakers Head Coach; Says ‘Only Person LeBron Is Going to Trust Is Himself’

The Nuggets Have a Bigger Problem in Name of Timberwolves

In the world of modern basketball, defense is a crucial aspect that often takes a back seat to the excitement of high-scoring offenses. Every possession carries immense potential for points, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' recent game against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, showcased a defensive performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. 


The Timberwolves, typically known for their offensive prowess, stunned the basketball world with their collective defensive dominance, relegating their offense to a secondary role. With key players like Rudy Gobert missing from the lineup, the Timberwolves orchestrated one of the most exceptional defensive displays in recent memory, leaving the Nuggets in a state of disarray and dysregulation. 


The intense ball pressure and swarming defense rendered the usually formidable Nuggets offense utterly helpless, leading to a resounding 106-80 victory for the Timberwolves. The game revealed the mastery of the Timberwolves' defense and the impact of Gobert’s absence on the Nuggets' offensive struggles.

Also Read: ‘Probably My Arm’: Anthony Edwards Hints Getting Rudy Gobert’s Face Tattooed to Guarantee Timberwolves Championship Win

Timberwolves' Defense on The Rise

The game witnessed the Nuggets, led by MVP contender Nikola Jokic, struggling against the suffocating defense orchestrated by the Timberwolves. Jokic and Jamal Murray found themselves thwarted at every turn, with their legendary pick-and-roll effectively neutralized and their supporting cast unable to offer much-needed assistance. 

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The Nuggets, a team that had recently tasted championship success, appeared uncharacteristically disoriented and vulnerable against the relentless defensive pressure from the Timberwolves.


Coach Chris Finch, despite being sidelined due to knee surgery, expressed immense pride in his team’s defensive achievement, emphasizing the physical and mental toughness displayed by the players. The absence of a reliable bench and the limitations imposed by injuries and suspensions have left the Nuggets grappling with the uphill task of countering the Timberwolves' defensive superiority. 

As the series progresses, the Timberwolves' defensive prowess has emerged as a compelling force to be reckoned with, leading to a remarkable shift in the dynamics of the postseason competition.  

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Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo to Marry Fiancée Mariah Riddlesprigger in August, LeBron James Accepts Invitation: Rumor

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About The Author

Nitish Singh is a Sports Content Writer at Pinkvilla and covers all things NBA. Apart from following

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