Denver Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic secured his third Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in four seasons, continuing to solidify his status among the NBA’s elite.
Jokic clinched the prestigious title, outshining competition from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, who secured second and third place, respectively, in the MVP voting.
Acknowledging his teammates’ contributions, Jokic humbly stated, “It’s got to start with the teammates; without them, I cannot do nothing.”
The Serbian center dominated the MVP race, receiving 79 first-place votes and accumulating a total of 926 points. Gilgeous-Alexander secured 15 first-place votes and 640 points, while Doncic garnered four first-place votes and 566 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks trailed in fourth place, with Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks rounding out the top five in voting.
The complete voting results for the 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. pic.twitter.com/Dqbd7MaRjC
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 8, 2024
Jokic’s achievement places him in an elite category, becoming the first center in six decades to secure the MVP title three times in four seasons, following in the footsteps of legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Denver Nuggets’ coach Michael Malone praised Jokic’s consistent greatness over the years, highlighting his instrumental role in the team’s success.
During the season, Jokic displayed exceptional all-around skills, finishing in the top five for total points, rebounds, and assists, alongside historical figures like Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.
Jokic’s statistical prowess was underscored by his averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, along with 25 triple-doubles throughout the season.
Guided by Jokic’s leadership, the Denver Nuggets clinched impressive rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency, emphasizing his indispensable value to the team.
Despite individual accolades, Jokic remains focused on team success, aiming to lead the Nuggets to another championship title.
Should the Nuggets succeed, Jokic would join a select group of NBA greats, including Russell, Bird, Johnson, and James, in achieving three regular-season MVPs and two NBA titles within a four-year span.
