Despite putting together arguably the most dominant statistical season the league has ever seen, Nikola Jokić walked away without the MVP trophy in 2024–25. Again.
At this point, we’re not just witnessing greatness, we’re witnessing history. And it’s being ignored.
Jokić averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game — joining just Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as the only players to average a triple-double over an entire season. But what makes Jokić’s case even more compelling is the efficiency, impact, and context.
He led a deeply flawed Nuggets defense to a Game 7 showdown against the eventual NBA champions, a series many fans are calling the “real NBA Finals.” Denver had the 7th-worst defensive rating in the regular season and allowed the 8th-most points per game. Watching them scramble in zone against the Clippers and Thunder made one thing clear: this wasn’t a Jokić issue. The team had zero reliable perimeter defenders and shaky help-side coverage, forcing Jokić to carry not just the offense, but the entire identity of the team.
Compare that to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder were the best net-rating team in the NBA at +16.4 with him. Without him? +10.5, still the best in the league. With or without Shai, OKC was elite.
Now look at Jokić. The Nuggets' net rating with him: +9.3 (2nd-best in the league). Without him? -10.7, second-worst in the NBA, barely ahead of the Wizards. That’s a historic swing.
Voter Fatigue is Real And It’s Robbing Jokić of His Place in History
Just like MJ and LeBron, Jokić is falling victim to the MVP narrative machine. Writers and voters are hesitant to give him his 4th MVP, not because he doesn’t deserve it, but because awarding him would start conversations they don’t want to have yet. Ones that put him next to Wilt, LeBron, and other untouchables.
But here’s the thing: Jokić’s prime might be more impressive than any of theirs.
The Numbers Are Unmatched And Historic
Jokić finished top 3 in the NBA in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, something no player in NBA history has ever done.
He posted a 31-point, 22-assist, 21-rebound game, a stat line that looked made-up until you saw it live. Even Steve Kerr, who played against Hakeem Olajuwon, called Jokić “the best center I’ve ever seen.”
His per-possession stats stack up and even outshine Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 50-point season:
- Jokić per 100 possessions: 38.2 pts, 17 reb, 13.7 ast
- Wilt: 38 pts, 19.4 reb, 1.8 ast
Then there's the shooting:
- FG%: 57.7%
- 2PT FG%: 62.2%
- 3PT FG%: 42.8% (8th in the NBA)
- FT%: 80.8%
- True Shooting %: 66.2 (5th in the league)
This Isn’t Just Numbers It’s Impact
The Nuggets' offense with Jokić on the court scores 24 points more per 100 possessions than when he’s off. That’s not just the best in the league this season, it’s the best since tracking began in 2004. Better than Curry's MVP years. Better than Chris Paul. Better than Kobe.
To put that in perspective:
- Best offense ever: 2024 Celtics – 122.2
- Worst ever: 2003 Nuggets – 91.2
- Denver with Jokić vs without? Nearly the same difference. That’s historic.
The Verdict: This Was the Greatest Statistical Season of All Time
Jokić didn’t just deserve MVP. He deserved a place in history.
He broke math. He broke logic. And somehow, he still didn’t win.
The media might not be ready to crown him yet. But the numbers don’t lie.
