In a remarkable feat that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Nikola Jokić has made history by becoming just the third player in league history to average a triple-double for an entire season. With his incredible stat line, Jokić joins the ranks of Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook, solidifying his place as one of the greatest to ever play the game. The Denver Nuggets center’s extraordinary performance this season has put him squarely in the MVP conversation, despite fierce competition from Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has also turned in a historic campaign of his own.
Jokić’s numbers for the 2024-25 season are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Averaging 24.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, the two-time MVP has further cemented his status as the most versatile big man the NBA has ever seen. His ability to control the game as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator has made him an irreplaceable asset for the Nuggets, who are positioned as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.
“It’s surreal,” Jokić said in a post-game interview. “I never set out to break records, but it’s an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. I just want to win, but if this helps my team, I’ll take it.”
Despite the stunning achievement, Jokić’s MVP case is not without its challenges. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in his own right, has been putting together a campaign that has fans and analysts alike calling it one of the best individual seasons in recent memory. Averaging 30.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Thunder on a surprising playoff run, outperforming expectations and showing his brilliance as an offensive juggernaut.
While Jokić has dazzled with his all-around game, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a dynamic force, especially in clutch moments. His scoring ability, particularly in the fourth quarter, has made him one of the most difficult players to stop this season. His leadership and the Thunder’s rise in the standings have made this an MVP race for the ages.
“The race between Jokić and Shai is going to be one for the history books,” said former NBA player and analyst Vince Carter. “Jokić is playing the most complete basketball, but Shai’s scoring and ability to carry a team on his back in close games are things that voters will certainly consider. It’s as close as it gets.”
Despite the fierce competition from Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić’s historical accomplishment of averaging a triple-double puts him in an incredibly rarefied air. His ability to affect every facet of the game—whether it’s with a pinpoint pass, an offensive rebound, or a critical basket—has been the key to Denver’s success this season.
As the regular season draws to a close and the MVP race intensifies, fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on how both Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander finish their respective campaigns. While Jokić’s triple-double achievement may be a defining factor in his MVP candidacy, there’s no denying that the 2024-25 season will be remembered as one of the most competitive MVP races in NBA history.
With both players poised for deep playoff runs, the debate is far from over. Will Jokić’s all-around brilliance win out, or will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring mastery give him the edge? The NBA’s 2024-25 MVP award could come down to the wire, but one thing is for certain: both players have solidified themselves as generational talents.
