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Nikola Jokic (Source: X)
Nikola Jokic, a center with the Denver Nuggets, was awarded NBA MVP for the third time in four seasons on Wednesday, solidifying his place as one of basketball's greatest players. The NBA named Jokić the winner over Oklahoma City Thunder player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić, who were also finalists.
With the triumph, Nikola Jokic becomes the ninth player in NBA history to win three or more MVP honors, among the league's best players. The other three-time champions were Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James.
This was Jokics' fourth consecutive season as a finalist for the award. He finished second behind Joel Embiid in 2023 before becoming Finals MVP and guiding the Nuggets to their first NBA title last season. Jokić's subsequent campaigns solidified his position as basketball's top talent. Over 79 regular-season games, he averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, nine assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
He was selected for the sixth time in a row as an All-Star, hitting 58.3% from the field and 35.9% on 2.9 three-point attempts per game. This was done while guiding the Nuggets to a 57-25 record, tying the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best Western Conference record, and securing the team's No. 2 playoff berth.
Nikola Jokic must put on solid show in Game 3 for Denver Nuggets
Jokic, a 6-foot-11 center, is Denver Nuggets' key post player and offensive facilitator. He frequently provides matchup challenges that opposition All-Stars struggle to overcome. Jokic featured on all 99 ballots, receiving 18 second-place votes and two third-place votes. Gilgeous-Alexander also featured on every ballot, receiving 15 first-place votes, 40 second-place votes, 40 third-place votes, three fourth-place votes, and one fifth-place vote.
On Friday, when the series moves to Minnesota for Game 3, Jokić will need to put on an MVP-caliber performance for the Nuggets to have any chance of winning another game.