<\/p>\n
Although the margin of win indicates a close affair, those who watched the game would concede that Jokic controlled proceedings throughout the 39 minutes he was on the floor, as evidenced by his plus\/minus of +9.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n The Celtics defense simply didn’t have an answer for Jokic, who played old-school basketball by resorting to post-ups instead of dribble hand-off actions from the top of the key \u2014 something he relies upon against certain matchups.\u00a0<\/p>\n Every time Jokic was doubled in the post, he found a cutting Aaron Gordon, who soared to the rim for a dunk or layup upon getting the green light from his captain. It was beautiful to watch.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Just consider that Denver attempted only 21 threes in the game, a strikingly low number in the modern NBA where no team averages less than 30 threes per night.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n The fact that they can dominate games at a slower pace is an ominous sign for their opponents, most of whom are increasingly reliant on running up and down and jacking up threes.\u00a0<\/p>\n If not for Jokic, the Nuggets wouldn’t be able to play such a style, making him more than just a star player \u2014 he’s the system, the one who gives coaches sleepless nights.<\/p>\n So, why exactly did Jokic seal the MVP? It’s simple \u2014 he dominated the team with the best record in the league for a second consecutive occasion, following his 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists against the Celtics on Jan. 19.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Furthermore, Jokic’s record against other elite teams makes his case even stronger. Against the Clippers and the Bucks \u2014 the teams with the third- and fourth-shortest odds to win the NBA title \u2014 he’s averaging 27 points, 15.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists, and 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, respectively.<\/p>\n With a little over a month left in the regular season, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas have all but crowned Jokic the MVP, giving him the shortest odds (-150)<\/a> to capture the award.\u00a0<\/p>\n His only real threat at this point is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+240), whose Oklahoma City Thunder continue to maintain a top-three seed in the crowded West.\u00a0<\/p>\n If SGA could drive the Thunder to the No. 1 seed over the next month, the race could get interesting.\u00a0<\/p>\n That said, voters who watched Jokic feast on Boston’s defense on two consecutive occasions have likely made up their minds already. Jokic is simply undeniable.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n