Jokic Reclaims NBA MVP Lead After All-Star Break

Nuggets' star center surges back to top of rankings with Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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With roughly 8 weeks left in the 2025-26 NBA season, Nikola Jokic has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the MVP rankings after the All-Star break. Jokic, who missed 16 games earlier this season due to a knee injury, has returned to dominant form, averaging a triple-double and leading the league in that stat. His strong play has allowed him to overtake Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury.

Why it matters

The NBA MVP race is shaping up to be a tight battle down the stretch, with Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and others vying for the award. Jokic's ability to miss fewer than 17 games and maintain his statistical dominance gives him a path to win his fourth career MVP, a historic accomplishment. The race will likely come down to which star can stay healthy and lead their team to the best record in the final weeks.

The details

Jokic, although he has missed 16 games, has put together a resume worthy of yet another MVP award. He is averaging a triple-double on the season while shooting nearly 60 percent from the floor and over 40 percent from 3-point range. Since returning from his knee injury, Jokic has averaged 24.4 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game while shooting 50.9 percent. The Nuggets' recent struggles, however, have them 6.5 games behind the Thunder for the West's 1-seed, which could impact Jokic's chances.

  • Jokic missed 16 games earlier this season due to a knee injury.
  • Since returning, Jokic has played in all 7 of the Nuggets' games after the All-Star break.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP and the current leader in the 2025-26 race, Jokic is putting up historic numbers for the Denver Nuggets.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander has missed the Thunder's last 5 games before the All-Star break due to an abdominal injury.

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What they’re saying

“As good as Jokic has been since returning from his knee injury, the Nuggets are just 3-4 over their last seven games and are 6.5 games behind the Thunder for the West's 1-seed. Denver is also 3.5 games behind Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs for second in the conference.”

— Brett Siegel, Author (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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