Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant probably thought it before Nikola Jokić erupted for the first 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist game in NBA history, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 149-141 win over Durant’s Suns, but the 36-year-old All-Star insists that the NBA MVP race is closer than people think.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“No he’s not an underd– man, stop it,” Durant said after Friday’s loss when asked if he believes Jokić is an underdog in the race. “I’m not going to let y’all keep doing that, man. Jokić is never an underdog in any situation.”
Does he think it should be Jokić instead of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
“I’m just saying he’s not an underdog,” Durant added. “I don’t know who it should be. Both been playing great ball. But, Jokić should never be the underdog again. That s— is out the window (since) his first MVP.”
"I'm actually kind of surprised he hasn't done this before."
Kevin Durant on Nikola Jokic 31 points, 22 assists and 21 rebounds to become 1st player in NBA history to go 30+ points, 20+ boards and 20+ assists in a game.
On Jokic being underdog MVP candidate to Shai… pic.twitter.com/gz6K9Yt4u2
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 8, 2025
Durant, who won the MVP for the 2013-14 season, has never been one to shy away from his opinion, especially in regards to basketball. And considering Jokić has won three of the last four MVP awards, the 15-time All-Star acknowledges that voter fatigue may cost the big Serbian another award, but feels it’s unfair.
“I don’t think that’s fair at all,” Durant said. “If you’re balling out, you’re balling out. I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision… between him and Shai. But it’s only good for our league when you see guys like that. (When) you don’t see a clear-cut MVP.
“I don’t think there should be voter fatigue at all. It’s going to be a race down to the wire.”
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Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenoNBA, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
