The MVP race pretty much seems locked now, but that doesn’t mean everyone is decided. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ahead on the leaderboard for MVP with just a few games left in the year, the outstanding play of Nikola Jokic still leaves some fans and media members torn.
The Oklahoma City Thunder currently sit at 65-14 with the best record in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring. There’s really nothing to be torn about at this point. However, due to Jokic’s stats, it is at least worth a conversation.
Considering the circumstances around the MVP voting at the moment, especially the current delicate situation with the Denver Nuggets after recently firing coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, things are up in the air. For one NBA Hall of Famer and current sports analyst, the race is hard to call.
Shaquille O’Neal Discusses MVP Race
While speaking on Inside The NBA, Shaquille O’Neal spoke on the current MVP race, as he explained that he found it hard to decide which player would win the award.
“Last year it was the same two individuals, Joker and SGA. I voted SGA. I’m having trouble this year. SGA’s team, best record all year, but Jokic has been putting up some phenomenal stats, phenomenal numbers, this year I’m torn.”
While O’Neal explained why he is torn, it is evident that the confusion should come to an end. Gilgeous-Alexander’s play has led to a landmark season in Oklahoma City, giving the franchise the clear no. 1 seed and their first-ever 65-win season.
Last year, Jokic winning the award was understandable. The Nuggets were only one game behind the no. 1 seed Thunder at the end of the season. This year, the Nuggets will finish at least 15 games behind the Thunder while Gilgeous-Alexander leads the league in scoring and many advanced metrics.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic Have Different Cases
Gilgeous-Alexander’s case comes down to the traditional one that has typically won MVP awards. Team record, overall success, and leading the league in multiple areas have given him the upper hand in the MVP discussion. That takes nothing away from Jokic. It’s just the reality.
Jokic’s case is rooted simply in statistics. Jokic remains three games away from making history as he could finish the season averaging a triple double. He is averaging 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.0 assists this season. This level of play cannot go unnoticed, but due to the current standings, it seems unlikely Jokic will win the award.
The Nuggets could also fall to the 6th or 7th seed with a loss in these last three games, which doesn’t bode well for the MVP campaign. Even if they finish at 3rd in the West, the gap in wins pretty much confirms what was known for a while now: Gilgeous-Alexander is the MVP.