Home

NBA

“Rigged” Accusations Return to Haunt the NBA as MVP Nikola Jokic Finds Himself in a Muddle Yet Again

Published 02/10/2023, 11:20 AM EST

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The 2022-23 NBA season has been a treat for the fans. Brilliant performances from players across the league and nail-biting encounters have been in abundance, as the season nears the All-Star weekend. The MVP race is also heating up. The 2021-22 NBA season MVP Nikola Jokic is in the driver’s seat. However, he faces stern competition from the likes of Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetkounmpo, and Luka Doncic, among others.

The latest NBA MVP standings have been revealed and certain names have surprised fans. Some NBA fans have even gone to the extent of calling the MVP race rigged on Twitter.

Nikola Jokic on course for a three-peat, as NBA Twitter reacts

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is one of the most efficient players in the league. He may not be the most athletic player on the court, but his numbers make up for it. With yet another good season, the Serbian has a strong chance of winning the MVP award for a third time in a row. Recently, the updated list of MVP frontrunners from NBA.com has Nikola Jokic at the top. Here’s what NBA fans had to say regarding the latest MVP standings.

Days After 40 Minute Delay, NBA Fans Accuse Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets of “Cheating” as Uneven Rim Hampers Game vs Cavaliers

As the above reactions suggest, a majority of the fans expected Giannis Antetokounmpo to lead the MVP race. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar, who recently made a huge LeBron James admission, is putting up insane numbers this season. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Can Giannis Antetokounmpo end Jokic’s reign?

Former NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo certainly has his eyes on the MVP trophy. He already has two awards and would like to add another to the collection.

He has had a great rivalry with Jokic for the MVP award over the years. Currently, he is averaging 32.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season. On the other hand, Jokic averages 24.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 10.1 assists. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

Jokic currently averages a triple-double and it will prove to be difficult for the Greek Freak or any other player to better the Joker’s performances if the Serbian keeps it up. With the most crucial part of the season coming up, fans can expect an exciting MVP race.

WATCH THIS STORY:  Years Before Calling Himself the Goat, LeBron James Wanted to Honor Michael Jordan, Pushing NBA to Take a Huge Step

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Do you think Nikola Jokic can win the MVP award again? Let us know in the comments down below.

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abhinava Ghosh

1,823Articles

One take at a time

Abhinava is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication. Abhinava has been following NBA for the past 6 years and is a huge fan of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.
Show More>

Edited by:

Satagni Sikder