Nikola Jokic, after a stomping season, has added a 3rd NBA MVP award to his resume. While his numbers and performance speak for themselves, the race was supposed to be a close one, with Shai-Gilgeous Alexander and Luka Doncic in the running. But the results show a completely different picture, where the Nuggets center was miles ahead in the voting process from his counterparts. This has become a big issue for some, a Shaquille O’Neal-sized issue.
On a recent episode of NBA On TNT, Shaq took a massive issue with the result of the prestigious award. “I don’t like to rain on people’s parade, but I’m not happy with this one. …I felt Shai deserved it.” He even drew parallel with himself saying that he was robbed of the award multiple times and feels for Shai in that regard.
The Big Diesel didn’t stop there as he also said the same thing right on the face of Nikola Jokic when the Serbian was connected to the analyst panel for a congratulatory session. “I want you to be the first to hear this from me, but I believe SGA (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) should have clinched the MVP,” said Shaq while congratulating Jokic.
But what does the “Big Man Alliance” vice president have to say about his accomplishment? To nobody’s surprise, he addressed it in the most Nikola Jokic way possible.
Nikola Jokic Reacts to His 3rd MVP Win
The Denver Nuggets are 2-0 down in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that didn’t dampen the mood of the MVP winner. Talking about it During a press conference on Wednesday, Jokic said, “It’s been three, four years now. I think I’m kinda used to it, so I didn’t even pay attention anymore. Probably a good problem to have.” He further added that not winning the award and taking the NBA championship home was a better scenario for him.
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The Denver stalwart averaged 26.4 points per game, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 79 regular season games. His postseason performance has also been brilliant so far despite back-to-back losses to the Timberwolves. His 27 points per game from 54.2% shooting from the field, along with 15 rebounds and 9.4 assists, indicates a dominant playoff run so far, but it was only limited to the Lakers series.
Jokic and Co. will be desperate to catch up with their Western Conference semifinal opponents on Friday when the two teams will meet for game 3 at the Target Center.
