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Nuggets' Nikola Jokic continues MVP push, sets historic NBA milestone

Ananth Pandian

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Nuggets' Nikola Jokic continues MVP push, sets historic NBA milestone image

Historic.

Dominant.

MVP-worthy.

No matter what you call it, you have to agree that Nikola Jokic was absolutely masterful in Denver's 122-109 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

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The reigning MVP finished the game with 2K-like numbers of 35 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Jokic was also quite efficient, shooting 16-of-24 from the field. Memphis has the second best defense in the league but even the young and tenacious Grizzlies couldn't slow down Jokic.

Jokic's performance was truly one for the ages as it made him the first player in NBA history to score 2000 points, grab 1,000 rebounds and hand out 500 assists in a single season. 

The only other player in NBA history to come close to Jokic's singular record was Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain. In the 1967-1968 season, Chamberlain finished just eight points shy of 2000 points to complete this rare combination.

Chamberlain however, did win the MVP award that season. Much like Jokic could do again this season.

At least that's what Nuggets coach Michael Malone believes should happen.

"I know I'm very biased. I admit that wholeheartedly," Malone told reporters postgame. "The MVP isn't even a competition. I mean, there's other great players. But what Nikola Jokic has done this year, with this team, with everything we've had to go through, is incredible.

"And he was good last year. And he's even better this year."

It's hard to argue with Malone especially since, Jokic has been on a tear as of late.

Over his last five games, Jokic has been averaging at least 35 points and 12 rebounds, a streak that only other player has ever accomplished—Wilt Chamberlain.

With Joel Embiid publicly campaigning for the award, Jokic's historic performance should serve as reminder that he's the reigning MVP for a reason.

Nuggets Clinch Playoffs

By beating the Grizzlies, the Nuggets were able to clinch a top-six spot in the NBA playoffs. Denver now won't have to be in the NBA Play-In Tournament and if things remain as they are, the Nuggets would face the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The first round of the playoffs will start on April 16. 

Nuggets remaining schedule

According to Tankathon, the Nuggets have the fifth-easiest remaining schedule with just one game left against the Los Angeles Lakers.

You can find the Nuggets' remaining schedule below.

Date Opponent Time (ET)
April 10 Lakers 7:30 PM

NBA Playoff matchups 2022: Western Conference

Here's what the NBA Playoff matchups would be like in the West if the regular season ended today:

Western Conference

(1) Suns vs. (8) Play-In Winner

(2) Grizzlies vs. (7) Play-In Winner

(3) Warriors vs. (6) Nuggets

(4) Mavericks vs. (5) Jazz

Ananth Pandian

Ananth Pandian Photo

Ananth Pandian is a seasoned marketer and copywriter with over a decade of experience working for premium brands and publishers like Nike, SLAM, and CBS Sports. Prior to plying his trade as a wordsmith, he grew up in a farmhouse, surrounded by the woods, fields, and a creek. Ananth has spent much of his life outdoors, and is excited to guide you through his never-ending list of the best products to keep you from falling to the perils of nature. Nowadays, there is rarely a weekend that goes by where Ananth isn't out camping, hiking, or just back on his parents' farm.