Nikola Jokic is a basketball phenomenon. The 28-year-old Serbian center has achieved what no other player in NBA history has done: winning the MVP of the regular season and the Finals in the same year, while leading his team to their first championship. Jokic’s remarkable performance in the 2023 NBA season and Finals has cemented his status as one of the best players in the league and the world. How did he do it? What makes him so special? In this blog post, we will explore the secrets behind Jokic’s MVP success.
From Second-Round Pick to NBA Superstar
Jokic’s journey to the NBA was not a typical one. He was not a highly touted prospect coming out of high school or college. He was not even drafted in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He was the 41st pick in the second round, selected by the Denver Nuggets. Many people did not know much about him, except that he was a tall and skinny kid from Sombor, Serbia, who loved horses and family.
But Jokic had a hidden talent that soon became apparent: he was a basketball genius. He had an incredible vision, passing ability, and basketball IQ that allowed him to see and create plays that others could not. He also had a soft touch, a versatile scoring arsenal, and a knack for rebounding. He quickly adapted to the NBA game and improved his skills every year.
In his rookie season, he averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, and was named to the All-Rookie First Team. In his second season, he increased his averages to 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, and recorded six triple-doubles. In his third season, he became an All-Star for the first time, averaging 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, and leading the Nuggets to their first playoff appearance since 2013.
In his fourth season, he became an All-NBA First Team member, averaging 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, and leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2009. In his fifth season, he won his first MVP award, averaging 25.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, and leading the Nuggets to the second seed in the Western Conference.
In his sixth season, he repeated as MVP, averaging 26.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, and leading the Nuggets to their first NBA title.
Dominating the 2023 NBA Season and Finals
Jokic’s 2023 NBA season was one of the most dominant in league history. He led all players in total points (2,154), rebounds (893), and assists (704) in the regular season, becoming the first player to do so since Oscar Robertson in 1962. He also led all players in total points (600), rebounds (269), and assists (190) in the playoffs, becoming the first player to do so in a single postseason.
Jokic was unstoppable in every round of the playoffs. He averaged 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round; 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round; 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals; and 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Jokic’s performance in the NBA Finals was especially impressive. He became the first player to average at least 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists in a Finals series. He also became the first player to have at least 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason. He had four triple-doubles in the Finals, including a historic one in Game 3, when he had 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first player to have a 30-point, 20-rebound triple-double in a Finals game.
Jokic’s dominance was rewarded with the Finals MVP award, making him the 11th player to win at least two regular-season MVPs and one Finals MVP. He also became the lowest-drafted player to win the Finals MVP award, except for Moses Malone, who was not selected in the draft.
What Makes Jokic the MVP
Jokic’s MVP success is based on his unique combination of skills, attributes, and mentality.
Jokic is a skillful player who can do everything on the court. He can score from anywhere, with his post moves, hook shots, floaters, mid-range jumpers, and three-pointers. He can rebound the ball with his positioning, timing, and instincts. He can pass the ball with his vision, creativity, and accuracy. He can also defend the rim with his size, length, and anticipation.
Jokic is an attribute player who has physical and mental advantages over his opponents. He has a height of 7 feet and a wingspan of 7 feet 3 inches, giving him a size edge over most centers. He has a weight of 284 pounds, giving him a strength edge over most centers. He has a high basketball IQ, giving him a smart edge over most centers. He also has a calm demeanor, giving him a cool edge over most centers.
Jokic is a mentality player who has a winning and humble attitude on and off the court. He has a winning mentality, as he always plays hard, competes with passion, and strives for excellence. He has a humble mentality, as he always respects his teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans. He does not care about individual stats or awards, but only about team success. He does not seek fame or media attention, but only enjoys playing basketball.
Conclusion
Nikola Jokic is the MVP of the NBA and the Finals. He is the best player in the league and the world. He is a basketball phenomenon who has achieved what no other player in NBA history has done. He is a skillful, attribute, and mentality player who can do everything on the court. He is a champion who has led his team to their first title. He is a legend who has made history.
Nikola Jokic is the MVP who dominated the 2023 NBA season and Finals.