Jokic Dismisses MVP Hype as Nuggets Prepare for Thunder Showdown
After a commanding Game 7 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Denver Nuggets punched their ticket to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Their next challenge? A high-stakes series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder — featuring a marquee matchup between two of the league’s brightest stars.
Jokic vs. Gilgeous-Alexander Is Bigger Than MVP Buzz
Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are set to clash with a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line, but while the narrative is rich with MVP implications, Jokic isn’t feeding the storyline.
Jokic Brushes Off MVP Talk
Following Denver’s 120–101 win on Saturday, Jokic made it clear he isn’t focused on individual accolades as he prepares to face SGA, the NBA’s scoring leader and a top MVP contender.
“I think this is the last on both of our minds,” Jokic told reporters, according to Yahoo Sports.
The three-time MVP is focused on one thing: winning.
Respect for SGA, but Focused on the Task
That said, Jokic isn’t underestimating his opponent. He had high praise for Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around offensive game.
“He’s amazing with the change of speed, change of rhythm, ball-handling. He can post up guys. He can go by guys. Shooting the ball, mid-range is perfectly—un-guardable basically. A very special player,” Jokic said.
His comments strike a tone of both admiration and business-like determination.
MVP Debate May Simmer, But Jokic Has Bigger Goals
Statistically, Jokic has a strong MVP resume, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game — perhaps his finest season to date. However, the Thunder’s league-best 68 wins and Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency metrics have made OKC’s star the favorite in MVP discussions.
Still, Jokic isn’t interested in awards — he’s chasing championships.
High-Stakes Series Ahead
As Denver and Oklahoma City prepare to face off in what promises to be a thrilling second-round battle, the MVP conversation will remain in the background — especially in Denver’s camp.
For Jokic, the focus is no longer on proving himself — it’s on taking down the league’s top team and returning to the Western Conference Finals.
