Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player after his incredible 2020-21 regular season for the Mile High City squad.
While Joker's season-long performance is already laudable, it's made even more impressive by an achievement last pulled off by Kobe Bryant.
Nikola Jokic is the first #KiaMVP to play every regular season game for their team since Kobe Bryant in 2007-08. 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/3wYNCjv6Eh
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) June 9, 2021
In Bryant's MVP-winning season, he logged 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to 57 wins.
In a season marred by injuries to several stars, it's easy to assume that Jokic playing in all 72 games made the difference in the MVP race. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid were considered favorites at different times early in the season until injuries derailed their chances.
However, this should not discredit Jokic's play regardless of the candidates' health. After all, the Nuggets big man posted gaudy numbers of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot 57% from the field, 38% from 3-point distance, and 87% from the charity stripe.
Such numbers stand out even when compared to James, Curry, and Embiid's. Jokic's game is out of this world. He does things that aren't expected of players his size.
Nikola Jokic is a beast on the court but the way he plays isn't exactly the best source of highlight-reel material. It has worked for the Serbian center, though, as his calculated movements allowed him to protect his body from wear and tear throughout the compressed season.
The Nuggets will lean on the newly-minted MVP and his superb health as they aim to make noise in the playoffs.
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