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NBA MVP Ladder 3.0: Nikola Jokic leads heading into the final stretch

By Daniel Outerbridge

Nov 4, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a basket in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after making a basket in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) /

Which players are the favorites to win the NBA MVP heading into the final stretch of the season? 

This has been one of the closest NBA MVP races we have seen in a long time. With so many candidates emerging and so many games left to play, it will be interesting to see who separates themselves and what will be the deciding factor for voters.

Let’s take a look at the favorites heading into the final stretch of the NBA season.

No. 1: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets 

The only candidate who can impact a game without having to pour in a bunch of points, Nikola Jokic’s efficiency and consistency are really what separates him from everybody else. Even though he could become a victim of voter fatigue (as was the case when Giannis Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVP awards), Jokic is the glue that keeps the Nuggets together.

According to Statmuse.com, the Nuggets are 14-22 all-time when Jokic isn’t in the lineup and that stat alone proves that he is a critical component when it comes to their winning and losing. He has had to carry the load for the most part, especially last season when Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were injured.

Now with both of those players finally healthy, it will allow Jokic to be even more effective with his court vision as he has a knack for finding open teammates. The main reason why Jokic is always in the MVP conversation is that he simply makes everyone around him better. And also the fact of knowing that he doesn’t possess elite athleticism is even more impressive due to the type of numbers he puts up. He uses his size to his advantage and has the ability to play in pick-and-pop situations which makes him a tough cover for opposing big men.

As expected, the expectations will be much higher this time around for Jokic to win a 3rd consecutive MVP. The Nuggets are currently in 1st place in the West and if the Nuggets can end up with the top seed, then the voters will have to strongly consider giving it to him again. If he does win a 3rd consecutive MVP, Jokic will join the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Bill Russell.

Another fact that sets Jokic apart from the other candidates is that he is playing much better than he did during his previous 2 seasons. Also, the Nuggets have won 25 consecutive games whenever Jokic records a triple-double which is also the longest streak in NBA history. A combination of winning and averaging a triple-double could be a determining factor for Jokic’s bid at making history.

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