The whole MVP (Most Valuable Player) conversation recently has been flowing like a tide of waves. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are the frontrunners: both in the Western Conference. One point, it was all the rage – another, it was calm. But what is a current theme throughout the discussion is the usage of backhanded compliments. I would mostly say those are directed at SGA, due to accusations of him being a foul merchant. Jokic continues to be lauded as the best player in the world – points, assists, and all. Yet, fate can work in mysterious ways as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets are matching up in the second round. Funnily enough, my view of the MVP race mirrors the direction of the series at 2-2 – showcasing that this series can potentially go either way.
SGA and the Thunder rallied to win Game 4. The Maple Mamba finished with 25 points, scoring nine of them in the fourth quarter. Thanks to the 3-point shooting of reserves Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, the team was able to secure their lead. Therefore, destroying their opponent’s chance at a 3-1 momentum to close the series. Regardless of their abysmal shooting, the young team clearly pulled through the motions. The criticisms of the team being inexperienced proved to be an afterthought as the Thunder prevailed, even with SGA facing zone defense.
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets fumbled their chance. Despite The Joker having 27 points and 13 rebounds, his numbers were rather low going 7-for-22 in shooting. Fortunately, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun each scored 17 points – help that made the Nuggets horrible offensive first half into a tight battle in the second half. Still, the poor energy cost their hopes of a comeback – losing 92-87. The team, and even the Thunder, seem exhausted from Game 3 OT thriller. Regardless, Jokic has recorded back-to-back games of lukewarm performance and accumulated 23 turnovers so far. A questionable stat and observation from the Nuggets best player.
Overall, with Game 5 looming on the horizon – a chess match between the Nuggets and the Thunder is waiting to be unraveled. MVP finalists SGA and Jokic both did not have the showcase of their capabilities. However, Game 5 should be another benchmark of what will occur in the series later down the line. A reset is in the cards, but the NBA is closely watching who will be awarded the MVP – one that right now looks uncertain.
