Inside The Nuggets

Luka Doncic Beats Nikola Jokic for Major Award

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic defeated Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for this ESPY

Joey Linn

Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) speaks with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) speaks with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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After his NBA championship and Finals MVP award in 2023, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was widely considered the best player in the league. Jokic made history that postseason, becoming the first player in NBA history to lead a playoff run in total points, rebounds, and assists. Doing so en route to Denver’s first championship in franchise history, Jokic was special.

While he was unable to follow his Finals MVP award with another championship, Jokic did win league MVP this past season. Eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver did not defend their title, but they project to be back in the mix next season. 

A 2024 ESPY nominee for best NBA player, Jokic lost the award this year to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. 

Doncic led his Mavericks to an NBA Finals appearance where they lost to the Boston Celtics. Like Jokic last season, Doncic led the 2024 playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists. This was a special run for Doncic and the Mavericks, but they came up short against a dominant Celtics team. 

It will be fun to watch the battle between Jokic and Doncic for best player in the world next season. These two are widely considered the two best players in basketball, and it is hard to argue against either one being at the top of that list.

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Joey Linn

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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