Nikola Jokic is considered one of the greatest basketball players of the 2020s, winning three NBA Most Valuable Player awards over the past five seasons. He finished as the runner-up in MVP voting when not receiving the honor for those indicated years. 

Despite being a dominant talent in the league, Jokic can feel self-critical before games. During a recent interview with X&O’s Chat, the Denver Nuggets center suggested that he has a similar pregame mindset to legendary heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson.

“Mike Tyson, when he was entering the ring, was afraid of his opponent. As he was walking in. Once he got in the ring, it was different. Why should I think differently? If Mike Tyson was afraid of his opponent before the fight, and he’s a lot tougher than me… I know it’s a different sport. But like I said, I have that same fear or self-criticism when things start. When it’s over, sure, I analyze, but during the game, I feel very comfortable. I’m in my element.”

An MVP Candidate

This season, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. The Serbian native is ranked second on the latest edition of the NBA’s MVP Ladder, behind Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on November 6, 2024 in Den… | Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

While Jokic is making a strong case to capture his fourth MVP title, the league’s 65-game minimum rule for major postseason awards may deem him ineligible. After missing nearly a month of action due to a knee injury, the 31-year-old can only miss two more games.

In terms of team success, the Nuggets hold the sixth spot in the Western Conference with a 39-25 record. The franchise is positioned to make an eighth consecutive playoff appearance.

Jokic led the Nuggets to a dominant NBA Finals victory over the Miami Heat in 2023, though Denver is still looking to follow up on its recent success. The franchise was eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals over the past two seasons.

Overall, Jokic will be looking to help Denver push up the standings during the final stretch of the regular season. Barring injuries, he has a realistic chance to win an MVP award along the way.