Nikola Jokic is one triumph away from joining LeBron James on four NBA MVP awards.
And judging by the Denver Nuggets star’s form this season, he will not be waiting long.
Jokic is in the form of his career, racking up 34 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in Saturday’s 127-102 demolition of LeBron’s Los Angeles Lakers.
Aged 29, he could end up surpassing NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s six crowns before he retires.
Jokic is favorite to win the Michael Jordan Trophy, so it is not like he is flying under the radar.
But ESPN personality Malika Andrews thinks people may not be “fully appreciating” his numbers in 2024 so far.
His average of 29.7 points per game is higher than Kobe Bryant in 2007-08, Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000, and Larry Bird‘s 1984-85 season – all three were named MVP.
And it does not stop there, his 11.9 assists per game comes out on top of MVP campaigns from Russell Westbrook (2016-17), Steve Nash (2004-05), and Magic Johnson (1989-90).
Jokic is also dominating off the boards – so much so that Andrews has a new name for him.
“Shall we just call him Mr Clean.” she said. “Because he has been cleaning the glass.”
That comes in on top of MVP winners Tim Duncan (2002-03), Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94), and Charles Barkley (1992-93).
Somehow, the Nuggets are only 9-6 despite Jokic’s gold rush.
Denver has won 13 of its last 14 meetings with the Lakers – mainly thanks to the Serbian, who scored despite being guarded by three Los Angeles defenders at one point.
“Joker’s a beast! Nuggets’ offense running through him,” posted one fan is response to Andrews’ video.
“Yea he is remarkable. So consistent it’s crazy,” added another.
Thanks to the win, Michael Malone is officially the winningest coach in Nuggets history with 433 regular-season triumphs.
“I’ve been really fortunate to work for the Kroenke family, Stan and Josh, just how wonderful they’ve been to me and my family,” he said.
“The best way I can put it is that when someone believes in you, that’s powerful.
“They’ve continued to believe in me every step of the way, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Malone paid a glowing tribute to Jokic.
“Obviously, in this league as a coach, you need players,” he said.
“I get a chance to coach a legendary player like Nikola Jokic who makes my job easier every day.”
