Nikola Jokic is having one of those seasons when nothing seems to go wrong for him. From launching quarterback-esque passes to effortless 3-points to blinding passes, Jokic is showing why he is the most dominant force on the NBA court.
With the post-season approaching, MVP shouts for Jokic have intensified. Despite some unexpected criticism, most see the Serbian bagging his third MVP award this season. Nuggets HC Michael Malone did not exempt himself from the discussion either, and now he has given his verdict on Jokic’s MVP bid.
Michael Malone backs Nikola Jokic’s MVP bid
During a recent interview, Michael Malone was asked about Nikola Jokic’s MVP credentials. Knowing Jokic just like the palm of his hand, Malone did not waste any time showering praise on the center.
Malone said, “Most importantly with Nikola, the player, is just the consistent greatness and how he finds ways, every single night, no matter who’s available around him, to bring that level of excellence.”
Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic’s MVP case:
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) April 8, 2024
“Most importantly with Nikola, the player, is just the consistent greatness and how he finds ways, every single night, no matter who’s available around him, to bring that level of excellence.” pic.twitter.com/oTkKqMzvcr
Jokic so far this season has done just that. With Jamal Murray being sidelined for a good chunk of a period last month, Jokic did not let his performance drop even one bit.
According to the latest NBA MVP ladder, Nikola Jokic is still at the top of the pile. Luka Doncic is closely following him at 2nd and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completes the top 3. After reigning MVP Joel Embiid got ruled out of action for months due to his injury, the Cameroonian was knocked out of the race, making way for the current contenders.
Despite the astonishing numbers put up by all three contenders, Jokic leads the race due to his overall impact on the game on both the defensive and offensive end of the court.
The fact that the Nuggets held the top spot in the Western Conference for a considerable amount of time before losing it in recent weeks supports Jokic’s top ranking. However, they will have their chance to reclaim the top seed when they face the lowly Jazz next. But there are some dark clouds about Jokic’s participation in the game.
Nikola Jokic’s injury status for Jazz game
There are a lot of names in the most recent injury report from the Denver Nuggets that the Denver supporters might find concerning. Nikola Jokic is one of those names who is probable for the game due to left hip inflammation. Along with the Serbian, Jamal Murray is also on the list due to right knee inflammation.
Injury Report heading into tomorrow’s matchup with the Jazz.
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 8, 2024
PROBABLE:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Right Shoulder Strain)
Nikola Jokić (Left Hip Inflammation)
Jamal Murray (Right Knee Inflammation)
Michael Porter Jr. (Right Knee Tendinopathy)
Julian Strawther (Right Ankle… pic.twitter.com/Af8yZPsf7x
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr. and Julian Strawther are also probable due to right shoulder strain, right knee tendinopathy and right ankle sprain, respectively. Aaron Gordon is questionable with a right foot strain and Vlatko Cancar is out as he is recovering from left knee surgery.
The Nuggets can afford to give a rest to Jokic against the Jazz, keeping in mind their date with the Timberwolves on April 10, which can decide the final seeding in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
