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NBA MVP debate rises after Nikola Jokic Game 1 performance in Nuggets-Thunder

NBA MVP debate rises after Nikola Jokic Game 1 performance in Nuggets-Thunder

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The highly expected playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder began to tip over on Monday evening with game 1. While the two teams meet in the semi-finals of the Western Conference, the spotlight follows only Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Jokic and Gilgeous-Aalexander started the 2025 NBA season as the top two favorites to win the NBA MVP Award, and they seem to be number 1 and No. 2 when the last MVP vote ended.

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Both had impressive seasons and led their teams into this phase of the playoffs.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the alleged favorite that takes the MVP price home this season after achieving an average of 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

Jokic was only the third player in NBA history, who has a triple double for one season with an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

NBA fans, analysts and current and former players have threw their opinion in the ring to throw light on who deserves the award, Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander.

With Jokic, a monster, historical performance in game 1, the NBA -MVP debate has increased on social media. The former NBA player, Jamal Crawford, was one of the first to get involved.

“You still don't get this MVP debate … no Jokic, no playoffs. No SGA, OKC is easily a top 6 -seed …” @ericgoodman posted on X.

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“Each of them who chose SGA via Jokic should now reset their voice,” said @nickherzoginc about X.

“Imagine you are a SGA -MVP voter, how Nikola Jokic comes in OKC and achieved 42 points, 22 rebounds and 6 assists in an Nuggets victory.

“Nikola Jokic is the best player on the planet and there is literally no argument that says something else. He is only he,” said @Adityavg13 on X.

The Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) drives in the first quarter of the first round for the 2025 NBA playoffs in the Paycom Center against Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2). Mandatory loan: Alonzo Adams-Mimagn pictures

While the majority of game 1 held the thunder on a half-comfortable tour, the Nuggets would rise in the fourth quarter and steal a road profit from 121-119 from thunder to an Aaron Gordon winner of the 3 pointer.

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The Nuggets also became a monster, historical performance by Jokic. The three-time MVP dropped 40 points, 22 rebounds and six templates and only became the fourth player in NBA history, who publish these figures in a playoff game.

Gilgeous-Alexander would end with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists in the defeat on their home floor. The thunder held the best record of the regular season in the NBA in the Paycom Center with 35-6.

The Donna 1-0 will return to game 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Edt.

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