By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was named this NBA season’s Kia Most Valuable Player (MVP), announced on May 9, 2024.
The Serbian center has now collected his third MVP trophy in four seasons, placing him in elite company alongside Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, and Moses Malone—all of whom have won three MVP awards.
Players who have garnered at least four MVPs include Bill Russell, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
During his 79 games this season with the Nuggets, Jokic posted a near triple-double average with 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game. His versatile performance helped the Nuggets secure second place in the Western Conference with an impressive 57-25 record.
In the playoffs, Jokic continued his dominance, particularly in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a crucial role in Denver’s 5-game victory.
However, the Nuggets currently face a challenge in the Western Conference semifinals, trailing the Minnesota Timberwolves 2-0 in the series.
Jokic earned a total of 926 points in the MVP voting, with 79 votes confirming him as the clear choice for the award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks finished second and third in the MVP race, respectively.
