Amid an intense NBA MVP race, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has openly expressed that he’s playing the best basketball of his life.

Jokic’s commendation comes amidst a competitive season, highlighting Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a worthy contender.

“I will say that I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so if that’s enough, that’s enough,” Jokic said after Monday’s game. “If not, the guy [Gilgeous-Alexander] deserves it. He’s really amazing.”

Jokic’s acknowledgment reflects the mutual respect between the top MVP candidates and the high stakes of this year’s race.

At 30, Jokic has an illustrious career, including three MVP titles, an NBA championship, and an NBA Finals MVP. His statistics for this season are stellar, with averages of 28.9 points, 10.5 assists, 13.0 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Remains the NBA MVP Front-Runner Over Nikola Jokic

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is leading the Thunder to the top spot in the Western Conference, has also been exceptional. He leads the league with an average of 32.7 points per game. His well-rounded impact includes averages of 6.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone voiced concerns about voter fatigue potentially affecting Jokic’s MVP chances.

“As we wind down this season, this whole MVP thing is really going to pick up,” Malone said. “You understand that; that’s a part of it. Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a great player, and if he wins his first MVP, he’s deserving of that.

“My thing is this: If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs, and I put Player A and Player B on paper and you had no idea that the guy who was averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top three in the three major statistical categories, things that no one’s ever done, he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10. And if you don’t think so, I think you guys are all full of s—.”

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the narrative around the MVP race continues to evolve, highlighting the statistical achievements and the leadership and poise of players like Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander. Their performances down the stretch will be critical in determining this season’s Most Valuable Player.