Jokic has been named the best basketball player in the world for the second year in a row

The Denver centre became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season.

Nikola Jokic has had another outstanding season. In the absence of Denver’s other leaders – Michael Porter and Jamal Murray – he was almost single-handedly able to lead the team to the playoffs from the sixth place in the Western Conference (the top 8 was left stuffed with the stars of the Clippers and Lakers, the Suns). Antonio by Gregg Popovich). 

Yes, in the first round, the Nuggets lost almost without a fight to the Golden State, who returned to the championship level (1: 4), but the MVP award is given for the regular season (this will be officially announced this week). And his Jokic spent the coolest of all, and then no one should have any doubts.

Nicola was able to surpass many of his stats from last season’s great season. Improved the percentage of average shots – 65.2% (60.6%), assists – 8.3 (7.9), more rebounds – 13.7 (10.8), interceptions – 1.5 (1.3), covered – 0.9 block shots (0.7) and scored points – 27.1 (26.4). In addition, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season. This proves that even a current MVP can progress.

Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) were also in the top three contenders for the MVP award. Many in this race gave preference to the newcomer of the French national team, for which Embiid will play at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. But, according to statistics, Jokic surpasses the leaders of the “76s” in all major indicators, except for the points scored (30.6 / 27.1).

“When you watch basketball, Embiid is the MVP. Analysts – Jokic MVP. I am glad that during the vote I trusted what I see with my own eyes, ”wrote former NBA player, now ESPN pundit Kendrick Perkins on Twitter.

Indeed, Jokic’s style is an intolerant prime example of lanky white guys who would prefer a solid lay-up to a flashy dunk, an effective assist over a witty pass from behind. Nicola makes street sports a game of intellectuals. It doesn’t sell or bring in millions of views on YouTube.