Jamal Murray: “It’s hard to deny the greatness of Nikola Jokic.”

As the NBA MVP race continues to gain attention this season, one player’s performance has stood out above the rest: Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray, the star guard for the Denver Nuggets, recently voiced his admiration for his teammate, emphasizing that it is difficult to deny Jokic’s greatness as he pushes for his fourth MVP award. With Jokic putting up career-high numbers and leading his team to a solid position in the Western Conference, Murray is certain that the superstar center deserves this prestigious accolade.

Nikola Jokic’s Incredible Season and MVP Hopes

Nikola Jokic is in the midst of another remarkable season, posting career-best statistics in points, assists, and steals. Averaging 29.6 points per game, 10.1 assists, and 12.8 rebounds, Jokic is not only showcasing his scoring and playmaking ability but also his all-around dominance. His field goal shooting is at a sizzling 57%, three-point shooting at 47.5%, and free-throw shooting at 81.3%, which underscores the efficiency of his game.

Jokic is on track to become the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, joining legends like Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. His ability to produce these kinds of numbers consistently has many around the league, including Jamal Murray, believing that this is Jokic’s MVP to lose.

Murray praised Jokic’s dedication and work ethic, saying, “He’s a guy who gives it his all every night, every day, and makes everyone around him better.” This level of commitment is evident in the way Jokic impacts the game—whether it’s scoring, distributing the ball, or crashing the boards, he is doing everything for the Nuggets this season.

Murray Defends Jokic Against MVP Criticism

Despite Nikola Jokic’s historic season, some still question whether he deserves to win his fourth MVP award. One argument against Jokic’s candidacy is the Denver Nuggets’ current seed in the Western Conference standings, as they sit in the fourth spot. However, Jamal Murray believes this will not hinder Jokic’s MVP chances.

“We’ve been the No. 1 seed for several years now, and they try to come up with all sorts of reasons,” Murray explained. “And I don’t think they really have a strong argument. Even if other guys are playing really well, it’s hard to deny the numbers that he’s putting up. There’s not much you can say or diminish about him, especially this year.”

Murray’s defense of his teammate highlights his belief that the MVP should be awarded based on individual performance, not necessarily the team’s overall position. Jokic’s stats, in Murray’s view, speak for themselves, and his greatness cannot be undermined simply because the Nuggets aren’t the top seed at the moment. Even with fierce competition from other players, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Luka Doncic, Jokic’s impact on the game remains unmatched.

The Importance of Appreciating Jokic’s Greatness

Murray also noted that this is a special time to be playing alongside Nikola Jokic, urging fans and critics to “appreciate greatness” while they have the chance. “It’s exciting to be playing in this time,” Murray added. “I don’t take it for granted.” His words reflect the recognition that Jokic’s performances are transcendent, and his era of dominance in the NBA may be something that future generations look back on in awe.

Jokic’s leadership and talent have not only elevated his personal achievements but also boosted the Nuggets as a championship contender. Murray’s perspective is important—he understands that Jokic’s MVP case isn’t just about the stats but about the intangible qualities he brings to the team, like his leadership, basketball IQ, and unselfishness.

Can Jokic Win His Fourth MVP?

As the 2025 NBA MVP race continues to heat up, Nikola Jokic remains a frontrunner for the award. His performances are leaving little doubt that he is among the greatest players in the league today, and Jamal Murray’s comments serve as a strong endorsement of Jokic’s candidacy.

However, the MVP race is never decided easily, especially with multiple players producing stellar seasons. While Jokic’s individual statistics are impossible to ignore, the team’s performance and conference standings could influence voters. Despite that, Murray’s confident belief that Jokic’s numbers speak for themselves is a strong case for the superstar center to win his fourth MVP.