DENVER — Well done, Denver Nuggets!
After a hard-fought series against the Los Angeles Clippers, you emerged victorious with a team effort that turned around a season that seemed bleak not too long ago.
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And now, your next challenge awaits: facing the 72-win Oklahoma City Thunder led by MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“It’s a great feeling, but we know we’re heading to OKC tomorrow,” Nuggets coach David Adelman remarked after Saturday’s game at Denver’s Ball Arena. “This victory was not the end goal.”
“I’m sure it felt like a championship to both sets of fans due to the intense series and wild ups and downs. It’s a series that will be remembered by all who were a part of it.”
So, no time to bask in the glory of your win.
The prize for winning the next series is a ticket to the Western Conference finals, but it also sets the stage for an exciting matchup in the second round: Joker vs. SGA.
The MVP debate will be renewed when the Nuggets and Thunder meet in the second round of the playoffs. (AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
(AAron Ontiveroz via Getty Images)
MVP debate reignited for Nuggets-Thunder
While Gilgeous-Alexander is a finalist for the MVP award, he’s not the only one to watch. Nikola Jokić, with three MVP titles under his belt, is a strong contender in this matchup. What are Jokić’s thoughts on facing Gilgeous-Alexander in the upcoming series?
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“Honestly, that’s the last thing on both our minds,” Jokić stated on Saturday night.
Fair enough. So, what’s his take on his counterpart in the OKC team?
“He’s a very different player,” Jokić observed about Gilgeous-Alexander. “He operates at different speeds, excels in scoring, and makes everything look effortless.
“Even against tough defenses, he makes it seem easy. His change of speed, rhythm, ball-handling skills, post-up game, and shooting abilities make him truly exceptional.”
Arguments for Jokić, SGA
This high praise for the Thunder star reflects his impressive season. Leading the league in scoring and win shares per 48 minutes, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to reckon with. He plays for a top-ranked Thunder team, showcasing his prowess as the best player in the league.
However, many believe that Jokić deserves the MVP title, even if they predict Gilgeous-Alexander will win it.
Jokić’s season has been nothing short of historic, with his stellar stats and triple-double average setting him apart. His advanced metrics, such as an efficiency rating of 32.04, place him among the NBA’s elite players.
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Following Saturday’s victory, Jokić’s teammate Christian Braun voiced his support for the Nuggets star.
“I truly believe that Nikola had one of the greatest seasons ever,” Braun expressed. “His nightly performances were remarkable, and I doubt we’ll witness such dominance again in a single regular season.
“Both players were exceptional. The Thunder and Shai are formidable, but Nikola’s consistency and impact are unparalleled. It’s a tough choice, but Nikola’s season was truly extraordinary.”
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Despite the Nuggets trailing the Thunder in the regular season standings, there may be some voter fatigue influencing the MVP outcome in favor of Gilgeous-Alexander.
But as the next series approaches, the focus shifts from the MVP debate to the ultimate goal of advancing in the championship race. The MVP winner has been decided, but the battle for a spot in the NBA championship is what truly matters on the court.