Nikola Jokić Joins MJ & LeBron, The 2023-24 NBA season will be remembered as the year Nikola Jokić cemented himself among the all-time greats, securing his third MVP award in just four years. With this achievement, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar joins an elite club that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird—players who have won at least three MVP trophies in their careers.
But what made Jokić’s season so special? How did he outperform Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to claim the award? And where does he rank among the greatest centers in NBA history?
In this deep dive, we’ll cover:
✔ Jokić’s historic stats & advanced metrics
✔ Key moments that defined his MVP campaign
✔ How he compares to past MVP winners
✔ Why voters favored him over Luka & Shai
✔ What this means for his legacy
Plus, we’ll include expert opinions and exclusive insights from NBA NewsZ to give you the full story.
By the Numbers: Jokić’s Dominant 2023-24 Season
Nikola Jokić Joins MJ & LeBron, Jokić didn’t just have a great season—he had one of the most efficient campaigns in NBA history. Here’s a breakdown of his key stats:
| Stat Category | Jokić’s Numbers | NBA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 26.4 | 8th |
| Rebounds Per Game | 12.4 | 3rd |
| Assists Per Game | 9.0 | 4th |
| Field Goal % | 58.3% | 1st (Among Centers) |
| Player Efficiency Rating (PER) | 32.1 | 1st (All-Time for a Center) |
Why These Stats Are Unreal
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He became the first center ever to average 25+ PPG, 12+ RPG, and 9+ APG in a season.
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His 32.1 PER ranks 4th all-time, behind only Wilt Chamberlain (’62, ’63) and Giannis (’20).
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He led the NBA in triple-doubles (18) and double-doubles (55).
The Defining Moments of Jokić’s MVP Season
1. The 40-Point Triple-Double vs. Boston (March 7, 2024)
In a marquee matchup against the Celtics—the NBA’s best defense—Jokić dropped 42 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting 16-of-22 from the field. This was the game that sealed his MVP case.
2. The 20-Assist Game vs. Washington (January 21, 2024)
Jokić dished out 20 assists—the most by a center since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968—proving he’s the best passing big man in NBA history.
3. The Buzzer-Beater vs. Golden State (December 25, 2023)
On Christmas Day, Jokić hit a game-winning fadeaway over Draymond Green, reminding everyone why he’s clutch when it matters most.
How Jokić Won Over MVP Voters
Nikola Jokić Joins MJ & LeBron, Despite Luka Dončić’s scoring explosion (34 PPG) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two-way dominance, Jokić secured the MVP for three key reasons:
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Team Success – The Nuggets finished 2nd in the West (57-25), while Dallas (5th) and OKC (3rd) had weaker resumes.
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Historical Efficiency – His true shooting percentage (66.1%) was elite for a high-usage player.
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Narrative & Consistency – Voters rewarded his sustained dominance over flashy stat-padders.
Jokić vs. The All-Time Greats: Where Does He Rank?
Jokić vs. Other 3-Time MVPs
| Player | MVPs | Best Season Stats | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokić | 3 (2021, 2022, 2024) | 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.0 APG | 1 (2023) |
| LeBron James | 4 (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) | 30.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.2 APG | 4 |
| Michael Jordan | 5 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998) | 37.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.6 APG | 6 |
| Magic Johnson | 3 (1987, 1989, 1990) | 23.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 12.2 APG | 5 |
Takeaway: Jokić is the only center in this group, making his playmaking even more impressive.
Is Jokić the Best Passing Big Man Ever?
✅ More assists per game (6.9 career) than Bill Walton (3.4) and Arvydas Sabonis (2.1).
✅ Better court vision than Joel Embiid and Hakeem Olajuwon.
✅ Only center in NBA history with multiple seasons averaging 9+ assists.
What’s Next for Jokić & the Nuggets?
With Jamal Murray healthy and Aaron Gordon playing at an All-Defense level, Denver remains a title contender. If Jokić wins another championship in 2024, he could enter the Top 10 All-Time debate.
For more MVP analysis and NBA coverage, visit NBA NewsZ.
Read More: Celtics vs. Pacers Game 3 Breakdown: The Play That Changed Everything
Final Verdict: Jokić’s Legacy Is Secure
Nikola Jokić’s third MVP cements him as:
✔ The best player of this era
✔ A top-3 center ever (behind Kareem & Shaq)
✔ Denver’s greatest athlete in history
The question now is: Can he win Finals MVP again? Stay tuned for more updates on NBA NewsZ.
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