Nikola Jokic, the towering center for the Denver Nuggets, has once again etched his name in NBA history by clinching his third Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This remarkable achievement places him in the esteemed company of basketball legends, highlighting his dominance and impact on the court.
Denver @Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic is the 2023-24 NBA MVP 🏆
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) May 8, 2024
Jokic, who beat out OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas’ Luka Doncic, is now one of nine players to win three or more MVPs. pic.twitter.com/MLDoiji6YB
he announcement came on Wednesday, amidst the fervor of the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers playoff clash, as Jokic was bestowed with the prestigious accolade for his stellar performance throughout the season. With this win, Jokic joins an exclusive club of NBA players who have claimed the MVP title three or more times, cementing his status as one of the game’s greats.
Acknowledging the significance of his teammates and the collective effort of the Nuggets organization, Jokic humbly accepted the honor during an interview on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” His sentiment echoed the sentiment of a player deeply appreciative of the support system that has propelled him to greatness.
The nine-year NBA veteran emerged victorious in the MVP race, outshining formidable contenders such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jokic’s exceptional performance, highlighted by impressive averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game, undoubtedly solidified his claim to the coveted award.
Notably, Jokic’s MVP triumph marks his third win in the past four seasons, a testament to his consistent excellence on the hardwood. The Serbian sensation’s unparalleled versatility and basketball IQ have earned him widespread admiration from fans and peers alike, establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA landscape.
In achieving this milestone, Jokic joins an illustrious lineage of NBA luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Standing alongside legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James, Jokic’s name now occupies a revered place in basketball history.
As the Denver Nuggets gear up for their playoff campaign, Jokic’s MVP triumph serves as a rallying cry for the team, inspiring them to reach new heights of success. With his unparalleled skill set and unwavering determination, Jokic continues to redefine the boundaries of greatness, leaving an enduring legacy that will be celebrated for generations to come.
Nikola Jokić has been named the Kia NBA MVP for the third time, having previously earned the honor in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 8, 2024
The nine-year NBA veteran from Serbia is the ninth player to win three or more MVPs. pic.twitter.com/7WfS3RxOMP
Here are other NBA players who have won the MVP award on 3 or more occasions:
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Six
- Michael Jordan: Five
- Bill Russell: Five
- Wilt Chamberlain: Four
- LeBron James: Four
- Larry Bird: Three
- Magic Johnson: Three
- Nikola Jokic: Three
- Moses Malone: Three
In a league defined by its iconic figures and transcendent talents, Nikola Jokic has firmly established himself as a beacon of excellence, earning his rightful place among the pantheon of basketball immortals.