Jokić, despite winning the MVP award last year, was set up to fail by several injury absences, and it seemingly had a large effect on his standing as a possible best player candidate. Larger than Dallas and Doncić’s second straight first round exit. Larger than Golden State and Curry’s absence from the playoff field entirely. Denver’s quick exit in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns left a large mark on Jokić’s standing around the league. He often ranked around fifth or sixth behind Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and sometimes even Luka Doncić. He scores like KD, passes like LeBron, rebounds like Gobert, and defends like.slightly buzzed prime Marc Gasol? That’s good enough.- Ryan Blackburn November 15, 2021įor whatever reason, Jokić was notably absent from the highest tier of superstars in various best player lists produced by major outlets this offseason. Jokić is so far clear of the best player argument.

I tweeted this out a couple nights ago, and let’s just say the reaction from the national audience was polarizing at best. Still, Jokić continues to dominate in ways the league has never seen before. He just didn’t have enough help, and a bench lineup featuring Denver’s deep reserves didn’t make matters easier either. It wasn’t for a lack of effort from Jokić though, who scored or assisted on 50 of Denver’s 101 points. Denver lost the second half 62-43 and ultimately lose the game. Unfortunately, rookie Bones Hyland rolled his ankle and was forced out at various points, and his lack of production was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Jokić went to work with the guys he had, and the Nuggets were winning 58-49 at halftime despite facing a fully healthy Mavericks team on two days rest. Oh, and Jamal Murray, Will Barton, and Michael Porter Jr., Denver’s starting perimeter trio, were all absent as well. Among the absences were big men Vlatko Čančar, Zeke Nnaji and Petr Cornelie.

Following a five game winning streak at home, the Nuggets traveled to Dallas on Monday and suited just 11 players. The Denver Nuggets were on the second night of a back-to-back, and it’s fair to cut the team some slack for this particular L. When the buzzer sounded, Nikola Jokić had accumulated 35 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in a 111-101 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Monday night’s game was just another ho hum performance for the best player in the NBA.

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