Nikola Jokic named MVP finalist, 2 other Nuggets up for NBA awards
The Denver Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Nikola Jokic has been named an MVP finalist for the sixth consecutive year, joining Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama as the top three candidates.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is favored to win the MVP award for a second straight season, having beaten Jokic in 2025.
- Jokic averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive season, with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, and if he finishes in the top two, he will join Bill Russell and Larry Bird with six straight top-two MVP finishes.
- Jokic met the NBA’s eligibility criteria by playing 65 games despite missing four weeks due to a knee injury, ensuring his place on the MVP ballot.
- The Nuggets also have Tim Hardaway Jr. as a Sixth Man of the Year finalist and Jamal Murray as a Clutch Player of the Year finalist, highlighting strong individual performances across the team.
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