The NBA MVP race for the 2024-25 season is heating up, and two of the biggest names in the conversation are Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jokić, a two-time MVP and the leader of the Denver Nuggets, has once again found himself in the thick of the discussion. However, when asked about his MVP chances, Jokić turned the spotlight onto his competition, specifically Gilgeous-Alexander, calling him “really amazing.”
Jokić’s humility and sportsmanship in recognizing SGA’s greatness show a deep respect for his fellow star. But does this statement indicate a shift in the MVP race? And does Gilgeous-Alexander deserve to take home the award over Jokić this season?
Jokić’s Dominance in the 2024-25 Season
Nikola Jokić has been nothing short of spectacular this season. The Serbian superstar has elevated his game to new heights, leading the Denver Nuggets with elite efficiency, playmaking, and scoring. His unique ability to control the pace of a game while making his teammates better is unmatched in the NBA today.
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Scoring Efficiency: Jokić is averaging over 27 points per game, shooting nearly 60% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
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Elite Playmaking: Despite being a center, Jokić continues to post 8+ assists per game, making him one of the best facilitators in the league.
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Rebounding Machine: The Nuggets’ big man dominates the boards with 12+ rebounds per game, ensuring Denver’s presence in the paint remains formidable.
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Impact on Winning: The Nuggets are once again one of the top teams in the Western Conference, with Jokić anchoring their success.
With these numbers, it’s easy to see why Jokić is a front-runner for the MVP award. However, his statement about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suggests that the race is far from over.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Breakout MVP-Worthy Season
While Jokić is a familiar face in the MVP race, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken his game to another level this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard has been the driving force behind his team’s rise to contention, proving that he belongs in the conversation for the NBA’s most prestigious individual award.
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Elite Scoring Ability: SGA is averaging over 31 points per game, ranking among the league’s top scorers.
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Efficient Shooting: He boasts an incredible 50% field goal percentage and 90% free-throw percentage, showing his ability to score efficiently at all levels.
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Defensive Growth: Unlike many offensive stars, SGA has improved defensively, averaging over 2 steals per game, making him a two-way threat.
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OKC’s Rise to Contention: The Thunder are one of the biggest surprises this season, currently among the top seeds in the Western Conference, largely due to Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership.
With his team’s success and individual dominance, SGA’s case for MVP is undeniable. His ability to take over games and lead a young Oklahoma City team to playoff contention has caught the attention of many—including Jokić himself.
Jokić on SGA: A Statement of Respect
When asked about the MVP race, Nikola Jokić did not focus solely on his own performance. Instead, he acknowledged that while he believes he is playing the best basketball of his life, the award might go to someone else who is just as deserving.
“This is my third or fourth year in a row, so, I can’t control it. I will say, I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so, if that’s enough, it’s enough. If not, the guy deserves it. He’s really amazing.”
This level of praise from a player of Jokić’s caliber speaks volumes about Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact on the league. It’s not often that an MVP front-runner openly acknowledges the greatness of his competition, but Jokić’s admiration for SGA is both genuine and telling.
Breaking Down the MVP Criteria: Who Has the Edge?
The NBA MVP award is not just about individual statistics. It also considers team success, impact on winning, efficiency, and overall dominance. Let’s break down how Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander compare:
| Category | Nikola Jokić | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | ~27 PPG | ~31 PPG |
| Assists per game | ~8 APG | ~6 APG |
| Rebounds per game | ~12 RPG | ~5 RPG |
| Shooting Efficiency | 60% FG / 40% 3PT / 85% FT | 50% FG / 36% 3PT / 90% FT |
| Defense | Strong, but not elite | Elite (2+ steals per game) |
| Team Performance | Top Western seed | Top Western seed |
While Jokić holds the edge in rebounding and playmaking, SGA is the superior scorer and defender. Their teams are performing at an elite level, making this one of the closest MVP races in recent memory.
Will SGA Win His First MVP?
With Jokić already having two MVP awards and a championship under his belt, voters might lean towards giving SGA his first MVP. The league often favors new superstars breaking through, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout year fits the narrative of an emerging face of the NBA.
However, Jokić’s consistency and dominance cannot be overlooked. If the Nuggets finish with the best record in the West, it will be difficult to deny him a third MVP trophy.
Conclusion: A Race for the Ages
Nikola Jokić’s praise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is more than just a compliment—it’s an acknowledgment that SGA has reached superstar status. The MVP race between these two Western Conference giants is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, and both players have strong cases to take home the award.
Will the voters favor Jokić’s all-around dominance and leadership as a reigning champion? Or will they reward SGA’s explosive scoring and defensive impact as he leads the Thunder to their best season in years?
Regardless of who wins, one thing is clear: The NBA has entered a new era where stars like Gilgeous-Alexander are ready to challenge the league’s established elite. And if Jokić himself believes SGA is “really amazing,” the rest of the league better take notice.
