The highly anticipated playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder gotten under way with Game 1 tipping off on Monday night. While the two teams are meeting in the Western Conference Semifinals, the spotlight is strictly following Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander started the 2025 NBA season as the top-two favorites to win the NBA MVP award, and they appear set to finish No. 1 and No. 2 in the final MVP vote when revealed.
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Both had impressive seasons, leading their teams to this stage of the playoffs.
Gilgeous-Alexander is the presumed favorite to take home the MVP award this season after averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Jokic became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
NBA fans, analysts, and current and former players have thrown their opinions into the ring, looking to shed light on who deserves the award, Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander.
With Jokic putting forth a monster, historic performance in Game 1, the NBA MVP debate has ramped up on social media. Former NBA player, Jamal Crawford was one of the first to chime in.
“Still don’t get this MVP debate… No Jokic, no playoffs.. No SGA, OKC is easily a top 6 seed…” @EricGoodman posted on X.
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“Everyone of you who voted SGA over Jokic should resign your vote now,” @NickHertzogInc said on X.
-“Imagine being a SGA MVP voter watching Nikola Jokic come into OKC and put up 42 points, 22 rebounds and 6 assists in a Nuggets win. Good luck sleeping,” @byesline posted on X.
“Nikola Jokic is the best player on the planet and there’s literally no argument that says otherwise. He is just him,” @adityavg13 said on X.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter in game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While the majority of Game 1 saw the Thunder hold onto a semi-comfortable lead, the Nuggets would surge in the fourth quarter, stealing a road-win 121-119 from the grasp of the Thunder after an Aaron Gordon, game-winning 3-pointer.
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The Nuggets were also fueled a monster, historic performance by Jokic. The three-time MVP dropped 40 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to post these numbers in a playoff game.
Gilgeous-Alexander would finish with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in defeat on their home floor. The Thunder held the best home, regular-season record in the NBA inside Paycom Center at 35-6.
The Thunder, trailing 1-0, will look to get back in the win-column in Game 2 on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
Related: New MVP Frontrunner Emerges After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Loses Top Spot
Related: Karl-Anthony Towns’ Subtle Nikola Jokic Recruitment Caught on Video
