The MVP race in the NBA is insanely close right now. Interestingly enough, the Top 3 are all international players. Nikola Jokić (Serbia) at number 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) at 2, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) at 3. These players have completely different playstyles but they’re all contributing to their respective teams success in their conferences.
The real conversation in the race is between Jokić and SGA. Those 2 have been on a tear in the landscape and have coincidentally faced each other the last couple of weeks. Jokić bested him in their most recent matchup, but earlier this season, SGA and the Thunder secured victories against his team. Jokić has had 29 triple-doubles this season: among the top three in scoring, rebound, assists, and steals as of now. This is impressive, considering no one has done this as consistently as he’s done. You can argue that this is his best season yet, but media pundits such as Kendrick Perkins will tell you that it’s not his job to win. This is probably due to voter fatigue, but that shouldn’t stop him from being part of the elite. Most of the media sphere has been leaning towards SGA, and there has been public skepticism of that preference. But is it really wrong to say that or not?
A disciple of Kobe Bryant, the Maple Mamba is not a player to scoff or disregard. He’s an efficient scorer, averaging 33 points a game with great rebounding and passing. He is also a great defender, who is currently No. 3 in steals and averages three blocks. This showcases the 2-time All-star’s complete all-around game. Although he has been infamous for his CP3-styled foul baiting, SGA is legit the reason why the Oklahoma City Thunder have been winning games to stay at No. 1 in the Western Conference standings, clinching their playoff berth. And even in the sporadic absences of his supporting cast such as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgreen, he is still defeating quality teams throughout the season. Proving that he is truly invaluable to the OKC Thunder’s success.
Now, say what you want, that SGA is being propped by the media as an “antithesis” to Jokić. But the stats and evidence show that he’s insanely worthy of winning MVP. Both players have a case of winning the esteemed award, but it is downright blasphemy to make SGA seem as if he’s not arguably the most complete guard and, by proxy, player in the NBA right now. The eye test shows and proves his case, not media bias.
