Nikola Jokić is widely considered the best basketball player globally and was arguably the top performer in the NBA this season. However, recent events, particularly their Game 5 matchup, illustrate why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is likely to win the MVP award over him.
Looking at the big picture, the core difference is simple: The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a hard-fought 112-105 victory in Game 5, mirroring their season-long success as the team with the best record. In contrast, Jokić`s Denver Nuggets were defeated, even though he delivered a masterful performance, scoring 44 points from all areas of the court.
While detailed analysis is possible, the essence of the MVP discussion boils down to this: Jokić showcased superior individual performance, but Gilgeous-Alexander led his team to more wins. Ultimately, success in the win column often dictates award outcomes.
This perspective doesn`t diminish Gilgeous-Alexander`s probable MVP win. He was exceptional throughout the season and equally impressive in Game 5, contributing 31 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. His clutch performance was evident as he was involved in six of OKC`s last nine scores, highlighted by a crucial late-game three-pointer that sealed the win.
While SGA`s clutch play was decisive, Jokić`s individual brilliance throughout the game was on another level.
A key contrast was team support. Five of Gilgeous-Alexander`s teammates scored in double figures, while only three Nuggets players alongside Jokić reached ten points, with the rest of the team collectively shooting poorly (31.9%). Despite Jokić scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter and trying to protect a nine-point lead, his teammates managed only one made field goal out of 15 attempts in the final period.
This stark lack of offensive contribution underscores the burden on Jokić. This point isn`t made to criticize teammates like Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon, who are proven contributors and have played well, but rather to highlight the disparity in team offense in this specific crucial moment.
Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander`s team is proving better in this series, consistent with their top regular-season record. While the MVP is often awarded to a player on a top team, it`s not a strict rule. Jokić himself won three MVPs in the past four years, notably not winning the year his team finished as the top seed.
He missed out on the MVP that season arguably because the narrative favored Joel Embiid. This season, there`s a similar feeling that it`s Gilgeous-Alexander`s moment. Despite Jokić`s extraordinary efforts carrying a less consistent team, this series is reinforcing that sentiment.
Jasper Hawthorne