JOKIĆ LOSES FIRST MVP BATTLE: Nikola records ‘Sombor Triple-Double,’ Shai drops 40 points, Denver falls late (VIDEO)

The Denver Nuggets were unable to secure a victory in Oklahoma, as the home team emerged victorious after a fierce battle that the final score does not fully reflect—127:103 (28:29, 33:31, 25:23, 41:20).

Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced off in a direct MVP showdown, but despite a high number of missed shots, the Canadian guard scored 40 points, while the Serbian center recorded a double-double (24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists).

This season, Denver has traditionally struggled to win when playing earlier-than-usual Sunday games—either Jokić has an off night, or he deals with an injury. That exact scenario unfolded in this matchup against Oklahoma, which carried significant weight in the MVP race. The Thunder secured a convincing 127:103 victory.

However, neither of the two main stars of the game delivered a standout performance. It is possible that the pressure took its toll, as both Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander appeared below their usual level. The Serbian center was on the verge of another triple-double—falling just one assist short of his 30th of the season—but he struggled with efficiency.

He frequently attempted shots from distance, and between the first quarter and the middle of the third, he failed to score a field goal. He finished the game with 24 points (8/13 from two, 2/10 from three, 2/6 from the free-throw line), along with 13 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks, and one steal.

As for Gilgeous-Alexander, he ended the duel with 40 points (13/21 from two, 3/11 from three, 8/8 from the free-throw line), eight rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.

Denver started the game stronger, with Jokić dictating the pace. He contributed five quick points to help the Nuggets take a 10-0 lead, but the momentum shifted after Aaron Gordon, who had opened the game with a precise three-pointer, had to leave due to a calf injury. His absence was a major setback for the Colorado team, especially since he was in great form—having hit a career-high seven three-pointers and scored 27 points in the previous game.

The first quarter saw an aggressive Jokić, who scored 14 points with solid shooting efficiency. However, Denver completely lost its rhythm in the second period.

Jokić stopped taking shots, and the only player keeping the team afloat was Christian Braun, who scored 13 points in the quarter, making all three of his three-point attempts. However, the rest of the team failed to match his contribution. Jamal Murray started promisingly but soon disappeared from the game. Oklahoma capitalized on this and went into halftime with a narrow lead.

The second half saw a decisive shift in favor of the home team. Gilgeous-Alexander opened the third quarter aggressively, quickly pushing Oklahoma to a double-digit advantage. Jokić continued to struggle with his shot, especially after a fall at the end of the first half when he hit his right elbow. His outside shooting was disastrous—he finished the third quarter with a miserable 1/9 from three-point range.

In the final period, Mike Malone tried to adjust the usual rotation by keeping Jokić on the court longer than usual, but it did not yield the desired result. Denver struggled to organize its offense, while Oklahoma rapidly extended its lead. The situation worsened after Malone received a technical foul for reacting angrily when he demanded a sixth foul on Holmgren after he struck Westbrook in the face.

The Thunder took advantage of this to pull away, with Shai making several key plays to push the lead past 10 points. With three minutes remaining, the difference had grown to +17, effectively ending Denver’s hopes.

In the end, another early game resulted in a bitter defeat for Denver and an unconvincing night for Jokić, which could have consequences in the MVP race.

Unless, of course, he strikes back tomorrow and leads his team to victory on the same court, against the same opponent.

Jokic has 14 PTS and Shai is nearly matching him with 12. Two MVP hopefuls going at it. 🔥

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/iyK3e1xipC
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