Nikola Jokić is widely regarded as the best basketball player currently, having clearly showcased his unparalleled skills this season. However, it appears he may lose the MVP award to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a result evidenced during their intense Game 5 face-off.

From a high viewpoint, the situation is straightforward: the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed in Game 5 with a score of 112-105, illustrating their success throughout the season. Jokić, despite his monumental performance scoring 44 points, could not prevent his Denver Nuggets from defeat.

The essence of the MVP discussion is simple: while Jokić outperformed, Gilgeous-Alexander’s team had the upper hand in wins this season. SGA demonstrated immense skill throughout the year and in this match, concluding with 31 points, along with key contributions in assists and rebounds.

Analyzing the finer details, it’s clear that Jokić had limited support, with only three Nuggets players scoring in double figures, diminishing their chances in critical moments. Even while he contributed 13 points during the fourth quarter, his teammates struggled to convert timely shots.

Jokić’s lack of adequate support isn’t a critique of his teammates like Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon, who have also proven their worth. However, during this series, SGA’s supporting cast performed better, which is frequently a determining factor in MVP outcomes.

Jokić’s history as a multi-MVP winner demonstrates that the best player isn’t always the one from the best team, yet this current narrative appears to favor Gilgeous-Alexander, marking the potential for a significant shift in MVP recognition.