NBA MVP Race: Nikola Jokić vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Daniel Bradburn | GPS Basketball

The 2023-24 NBA season has been one of the most exciting in recent memory, with several players making strong cases for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. However, two names have consistently stood out: Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Image credit: NBA

Nikola Jokić: The Maestro of Denver

Jokić, a two-time MVP (2021, 2022) and reigning NBA champion, continues to dominate the league with his unparalleled all-around game. The Serbian big man is averaging 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58.1% from the field. His ability to control the game as a scorer, playmaker, and rebounder makes him the engine of the Nuggets’ success.

(Photo: NBA/Getty Images)

Jokić’s impact goes beyond stats—his basketball IQ and clutch performances have kept Denver in title contention. If he wins his third MVP, he will join an elite group of players with multiple awards, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Rising Superstar

On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the league by storm, leading the young Oklahoma City Thunder to one of the best records in the Western Conference. SGA is averaging 30.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while shooting 54% from the field—an incredible feat for a guard. His ability to score at will, combined with his defensive impact (2.1 steals per game), has made him a two-way force.

(Photo: NBA/Getty Images)

SGA’s rise has been meteoric, and his leadership has transformed the Thunder from a rebuilding team to a legitimate contender. Winning MVP would not only be a personal milestone but also a testament to his role in OKC’s resurgence.

Who Has the Edge?

The MVP race is incredibly tight. Jokić has the narrative of sustained excellence and championship pedigree, while SGA represents the new wave of superstar talent leading a young team to unexpected heights. Voters will have to decide between Jokić’s historic all-around dominance and SGA’s electrifying two-way impact.

As the season enters its final stretch, every game could sway the vote. One thing is certain: both players are deserving, and the debate will rage on until the award is announced.

Who do you think should win MVP? Let us know in the comments!

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(Article by Daniel Bradburn, GPS Seychelles Basketball Analyst)