Nikola Jokic Sealed His Fate With Timberwolves’ Loss Amid Raging MVP Debate, as Per 46YO Celtics Legend

The 2024 NBA MVP debate has been a hot topic of discussion recently. And Nikola Jokic has been one of the top contenders for the award this season. But it seems the debate is no longer in place, as the last match between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves may have brought the answer to this MVP question. At least, ex-Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce believes so.

“Jokic sealed MVP tonight,” the 46-year-old posted on ‘X’. Notably, Nikola Jokic scored 41 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Timberwolves. He made 16 of his 20 shots, leading the Nuggets to a 116-107 victory. With this, Denver claimed the number one spot in the Western Conference for themselves, replacing Minnesota. 

The Nuggets are now the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, thus furthering Nikola Jokic’s MVP chances. The 29-year-old has averaged 26.4 points, with 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game this season. He also has 25 triple-doubles this season to his name; however, there are some other names as well who are likely contenders for the MVP title. 

Players other than Nikola Jokic in the race for the MVP title     

One of the most popular names in the race is Luka Doncic. The Mavericks star has averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game this season. He is also leading the scoreboards in terms of total points scored (2341) and highest points scored in a single game (73) this season. Notably, the Dallas Mavericks are currently in the fifth spot in the Western Conference, keeping themselves out of the play-in tournament.

Read More: Is Nikola Jokic the “Worst MVP Award Winner”? Gilbert Arenas Explodes Over Controversial Take

Yet another in the race is Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis has averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists this season. He is also second on the list, right after Doncic, with the highest points this season. Significantly, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has also been a strong contender for the MVP run this season.

However, the case for Nikola Jokic has become stronger after the Nuggets’ latest game, where they overthrew the Minnesota Timberwolves from the point table for the number 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. But since Jokic has already been MVP for the past two seasons, there are also speculations of a ‘voter fatigue’ scenario. And this could work in favor of other contenders for the MCP title.

What is your opinion of the entire scenario? Do you think Nikola Jokic has sealed his fate to win the 2024 NBA season MVP?

Read More: “We’re Not Quitters”: Nikola Jokic Glorifies Nuggets’ 22-Point Comeback to Sting Raptors