Nuggets' Nikola Jokić Dominates MVP Race With Historic Season

The Joker is once again putting up eye-popping numbers and leading Denver to a top record in the West.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:23pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball player, representing Nikola Jokić's dominant performance this season.Nikola Jokić's historic season has him firmly in the MVP conversation, with his dominant offensive production and all-around impact keeping the Nuggets near the top of the Western Conference.Denver Today

Nikola Jokić is making a strong case to win his third straight NBA MVP award, leading the league in rebounds and assists while putting up 28 points per game on elite efficiency. The Nuggets' offense has been historically great with Jokić on the floor, and his impact goes beyond just the box score stats.

Why it matters

Jokić's sustained excellence at an unprecedented level has kept the Nuggets near the top of the Western Conference despite injuries to key players. His unique skillset and ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game make him a clear frontrunner for the MVP award.

The details

Jokić is putting up career-highs in points (28.0) and rebounds (12.9) while also leading the league in assists (10.9). He's been incredibly efficient, shooting 63.5% from 2-point range and 38% from 3-point range. The Nuggets' offense is nearly unstoppable with Jokić on the floor, posting a 128.1 offensive rating that would be the best in NBA history.

  • Jokić is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season.
  • He has 33 total triple-doubles, more than the second and third place players combined.

The players

Nikola Jokić

The star center for the Denver Nuggets, widely considered the frontrunner for his third straight NBA MVP award.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP, who has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a potential 75-win season.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted rookie sensation who has burst onto the national scene with his dominant play.

Luka Dončić

The superstar guard for the Dallas Mavericks, who has put up MVP-caliber numbers before suffering a recent injury.

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What they’re saying

“Jokić has once again diced up defenses in whatever way he's needed to, with a volume bordering on cruelty.”

— Nekias Duncan, Yahoo Sports Writer

“It can feel routine to say a player is an offense unto himself, but Jokić truly is.”

— Nekias Duncan, Yahoo Sports Writer

What’s next

The NBA MVP award will be announced at the end of the regular season in mid-April.

The takeaway

Nikola Jokić's historic season has cemented his status as one of the NBA's elite players and a clear frontrunner for his third straight MVP award. His ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game makes him nearly impossible to stop, and has kept the Nuggets near the top of the Western Conference standings.