Nikola Jokic has a Monster Performance Against Chicago

March 01, 2021

Nikola Jokic has been having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 26.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 8.5 apg - all career highs. His supporting numbers have been excellent as well - 56.4% FG, 87.9% FT & 1.7 spg - suggesting that Jokic is starting to reach his insanely-high ceiling. On Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls, he once again illustrated why he belongs in the MVP debate.

Jokic picked apart the Bulls on the offensive end, scoring and distributing at will. While not exactly know as a high-flyer, check out one of the nicer dunks you'll see Jokic slam down this season.  

What more can Jokic do to push the Nuggets up the standings? They're presently 19-15 and 7th in the Western Conference standings, and it can't all fall on the big Serbian's broad shoulders. Jamal Murray is candidate #1 to make a bigger impact for Denver, and he is started to turn his season around, having his best month of the year in February - 25.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.9 apg in 12 games. Even with Murray having his best stretch of play the Nuggets went 6-7 in February. Michael Porter Jr. has been underwhelming after missing 10 of the first 14 games of the year. Everyone knows he can pop off for 30 points in any given game, but he's just as likely to put up an 8 point dud - he needs to learn how to be more consistent in order for Denver to be successful this year. With the success that Jerami Grant is having in Detroit, it's easy to see that the Nuggets truly miss his production as a top-line 3&D producer. If Grant had stayed in the Mile High City, how much would that change their season? As a Piston, he's getting 10+ more mpg and obviously has more responsibilities - all of his numbers on a per 36 minute basis are up slightly from last year. However, even if he replicated his production from last year the Nuggets would be in a much better position on both ends of the court. 

The Nuggets need to find a way to help out their best player, as it would be a shame to waste such an excellent season by Jokic with a 7th seed in the West and a 1st round exit in the playoffs. 

Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports


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