Nikola Jokic Makes Head-Turning Jump in NBA MVP Race

The Denver Nuggets superstar is reclaiming his spot at the top of the NBA MVP ladder.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets are sitting in third place in the Western Conference with a 35-20 record at the All-Star break, and as their health improves, they will continue to look more like a title contender. Jokic has been nothing short of incredible this season, and outside of a month-long absence due to a knee injury, he has been having a historic campaign.

Why it matters

Jokic can miss just one more game before he is ruled ineligible for MVP, but if he stays on the right side of the 65-game requirement, he will make a strong case to win his fourth MVP within six years. Even after returning from injury in time to stay eligible for MVP, Jokic has fallen behind in the race for the award, particularly sitting behind reigning MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The details

This season, Jokic is averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, while shooting 59% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 84% from the free-throw line. Jokic has been wildly consistent and efficient while on the floor, but there is another major factor that will come into play in the MVP race. In NBA history, only one player has reached all of the following marks before the All-Star break in a season: 1000 points, 475 rebounds, 400 assists, 250 free throws made, 75 threes made, 30 blocks. That one player is the Nuggets' Nikola Jokić this year.

  • Jokic missed 16 straight games due to a knee injury.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets superstar and three-time NBA MVP.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP.

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What they’re saying

“In order to firmly cement himself as the MVP of the league once again, Jokic will need to continue performing at the level he is while leading the Nuggets to wins. At this rate, if the Nuggets cross the 55-win margin, it will be hard to deny Jokic the MVP award.”

— Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints writer (ClutchPoints)

The takeaway

Jokic's historic season and potential fourth MVP award in six years highlights his dominance in the NBA, but the Nuggets' team success after his return from injury will be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim the MVP title this season.