Nikola Jokic Finals MVP performance not an all-time great one, says Chris Mannix

Nikola Jokic‘s remarkable performance in the postseason propelled the Denver Nuggets to their historic first-ever NBA championship, earning him widespread praise and admiration from the basketball world. However, amidst the chorus of acclaim, there is always someone willing to challenge the prevailing narrative. In this case, it is Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix who has taken up that role.

Following the conclusion of the NBA Finals, Mannix shared his thoughts on the teams that the Nuggets and Jokic faced on their path to glory. While acknowledging the undeniable greatness of Jokic’s playoff run, Mannix raised the point that the Nuggets did not encounter a formidable rival who could be considered their equal or superior.

Mannix argued that for Jokic to ascend to the upper echelons of superstardom, he needs to go up against a team that poses a significant challenge and where the Nuggets are deemed the underdogs. According to Mannix, such a test would solidify Jokic’s place among the all-time greats.

In fairness to Jokic, his playoff journey featured encounters with notable opponents like Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, and Deandre Ayton. However, the Nuggets’ dominance as the best team in the league during that period prevented them from facing an underdog scenario. Jokic’s exceptional skills and leadership were instrumental in their success.

While we can only speculate about Jokic’s performance against other formidable teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, or Philadelphia 76ers led by Joel Embiid, it is evident that Jokic excelled in the challenges he did encounter during the playoffs, surpassing expectations with flying colors.

The debates surrounding Jokic’s playoff journey will continue, but there’s no denying the remarkable impact he had in leading the Nuggets to their historic championship. His skill, versatility, and ability to rise to the occasion make him a true force to be reckoned with in the NBA landscape.