Jokić Leads MVP Race as Dončić Ruled Out

Nikola Jokić's historic rebounding and assist numbers put him ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the final MVP standings.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.Jokić's historic rebounding and playmaking prowess have propelled him to the top of the MVP race in the final week of the season.Denver Today

With Luka Dončić ruled out for the remainder of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, the NBA MVP race has been shaken up in the final week. Nikola Jokić has emerged as the frontrunner, leading the league in rebounds and assists per game, a feat not accomplished since Wilt Chamberlain over 60 years ago. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a strong candidate, but Jokić's statistical dominance and late-season surge have propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

Why it matters

The MVP award is one of the NBA's most prestigious individual honors, recognizing the league's most valuable player over the course of the regular season. With Dončić out, the race is wide open, and Jokić's historic campaign has put him in prime position to claim his third MVP trophy in as many years.

The details

Jokić is on the verge of becoming the second player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and assists. He is averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists per game, putting up triple-double numbers on a nightly basis. Jokić's late-season surge, including a dominant performance against fellow MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, has solidified his case. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has continued his scoring tear, averaging 31.6 points per game, but falls just short of Jokić's historic all-around impact.

  • Jokić has led the league in rebounds and assists for the majority of the season.
  • Dončić suffered a hamstring injury on April 1st, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.
  • The NBA MVP award voting deadline is April 15th, with the winner to be announced in the following weeks.

The players

Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets center is on the verge of becoming the second player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounds and assists per game, a feat last accomplished by Wilt Chamberlain over 60 years ago.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is averaging 31.6 points per game, one of only two players to surpass the 30-point mark this season, and is the leading man on the best team in the NBA.

Luka Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers star was considered a top MVP candidate before suffering a hamstring injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the regular season, making him ineligible for the award.

Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs rookie has put up impressive per-minute numbers, but his limited playing time compared to the top candidates has hindered his MVP case.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers guard has been consistently excellent, earning a spot on the MVP ballot as a result of Dončić's injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The NBA MVP award voting deadline is April 15th, with the winner to be announced in the following weeks.

The takeaway

The NBA MVP race has been shaken up in the final week, with Nikola Jokić emerging as the frontrunner thanks to his historic rebounding and assist numbers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a strong candidate, but Jokić's statistical dominance and late-season surge have put him in prime position to claim his third MVP trophy in as many years.