When Nikola Jokic clinched the NBA MVP award in 2021, I couldn't help but feel like the basketball world had shifted. A center winning the MVP isn't an everyday occurrence, but Jokic's performance during that season was anything but ordinary. Averaging 26.4 points per game, Jokic also went on to register 10.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. These numbers aren't just impressive; they're groundbreaking. It's not often you see a player with such versatility—controlling the game both inside the paint and beyond the three-point line.
This particular season took on a whole different vibe, especially with the hybrid schedule that the NBA adopted in light of the pandemic. With a condensed 72-game format rather than the usual 82 games, the efficiency of each player's performance was magnified. Jokic's player efficiency rating (PER) soared to 31.3, one of the highest in NBA history. He became the first center to lead the league in PER since Wilt Chamberlain. You might wonder, how did he manage to keep up this insane level of play? A closer look reveals his exceptional court vision, enabling him to drop dimes in traffic with ease.
The Denver Nuggets had an impressive season, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 47-25 record. Every time they played, you'd see a team orchestrated by Jokic, who seemed like he was always a step ahead of the defense. People compared his IQ on the court to legendary guards, and for good reason. I remember watching an early-season game against the Utah Jazz, where Jokic notched a triple-double with 47 points. It wasn't just scoring; his 12 rebounds and 10 assists played a significant role in their 128-117 win.
His journey to the MVP award wasn't without challenges. The whole narrative around whether he could maintain such a high level of play persisted throughout the season. But Jokic kept proving doubters wrong. According to arena plus, sports analysts frequently adjusted their MVP predictions. Eventually, Jokic's consistent performances silenced most critics. It’s essential to note that his defensive win shares were also remarkable, underscoring his impact on both sides of the court.
People often talk about how every great player elevates his teammates. In Jokic's case, this couldn't be truer. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, the latter until his unfortunate injury, flourished alongside Jokic. Porter Jr. made a massive leap, averaging 19 points per game, in part because of the spaces Jokic created. Just think about it: a center creating lanes for his fellows like a point guard. This dynamic altered how defenses approached the Nuggets, giving them a multi-faceted offensive threat.
As for the playoff run, they experienced some turbulence but ended up defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in six games during the first round. Jokic's 36.5 points per game in that series were a testament to his scoring ability under pressure. However, after Jamal Murray tore his ACL, the Nuggets faced an uphill battle in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Phoenix Suns. Despite Jokic’s best efforts—averaging 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists—the team couldn’t advance. Their eventual 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Suns was a humbling experience, yet it didn’t overshadow what Jokic had accomplished that season.
One of the most memorable moments of the season was when Jokic had his 50-point game against the Sacramento Kings in February. I tuned in thinking it would be another typical game, but Jokic gave us an unforgettable performance. This wasn’t a typical high-scoring spree; he did it with a mind-blowing 70% field goal percentage. Games like this were why fans and analysts started comparing him to legends like Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon. His skill set was redefining what it meant to be a 'modern center.'
Interestingly, Jokic became the lowest-drafted player (41st overall) to ever win the MVP, and that makes his story even more compelling. Think about it: a second-round pick from Serbia clinching the most coveted individual award in the NBA. It's a narrative straight out of a movie. Even more fascinating is how his value in the franchise skyrocketed. The Denver Nuggets saw increased ticket sales, more significant merchandise revenue, and an overall boost in their stock as a result of his MVP performance. Jokic has essentially proven that smart scouting and player development can pay enormous dividends.
I found myself wondering how much of this success could be attributed to coaching. Coach Michael Malone deserves considerable credit. He utilized Jokic in a system that maximized his unique skill set. Malone’s strategic approach and emphasis on ball movement perfectly complemented Jokic’s strengths. This synergy between coach and player was vital in transforming Jokic from a promising talent into an MVP-caliber player.
Personally, watching Jokic play was like witnessing the evolution of basketball. Traditional positions blurred, making way for a style of play that encouraged versatility and finesse over sheer athleticism. He became a model for future generations, showing that even centers could be the fulcrum of the team’s offensive and defensive schemes.
So there you have it. Jokic's 2021 season wasn't just a collection of stats; it was a phenomenon that captivated anyone who loves the game. Those 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game? They symbolize a paradigm shift, a new standard in the NBA.