Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems like a shoo-in to win his second straight MVP award. However, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is still poking around in the race. But Jokic has only played 63 games. He would need to play in two of Denver’s last three games to qualify for awards, and if the Nuggets prioritize rest of winning down the stretch, the final hurdle for SGA’s MVP case would be cleared.
With Jokic out of the way, SGA would likely only have to worry about Victor Wembanyama. And though the San Antonio Spurs superstar has had a great season, Gilgeous-Alexander has a better case. If Jokic doesn’t reach the game minimum, the Oklahoma City Thunder will likely have a two-time MVP on their hands.
And there could be some clarity on the matter sooner rather than later.
If Nikola Jokic sits two more games, Shai Gligeous-Alexander's MVP case is even easier
Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the best players in the league for the past two seasons, leading the Thunder to a championship last season and the best record in the NBA this season.
However, Jokic has averaged a triple-double. His numbers are as impressive as ever, and the Nuggets are still one of the best teams in the Western Conference (though not nearly as dominant as the Thunder).
So, how likely is it that Jokic sits out twice in the final three games, eliminating himself from award contention? Well, it may be more likely than most people think.
First and foremost, over the Nuggets’ final three games, they will take on the Memphis Grizzlies, Thunder, and Spurs. That’s a pretty tough schedule, outside of the Memphis game.
Plus, the Nuggets are the No. 3 seed in the West right now, which would set them up for a first-round matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves—a team they have struggled against in the past.
Minnesota eliminated Jokic and the Nuggets from the playoffs in 2024, so maybe the Nuggets would rather avoid playing them in the postseason and instead set themselves up for a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets in Round 1.
On top of that, the Thunder and Spurs already have their playoff positions locked, so they could end up sitting some players. And the Grizzlies have already been eliminated.Â
The Nuggets could still have a chance to win (or lose, if they so choose) even if they sit Jokic in an attempt to keep him healthy.
If they sit him twice, the MVP award may as well be shipped to OKC. (And it still seems likely to be heading there, regardless.)