“I think he should have won it,” Nuggets talisman Nikola Jokic believes that Joel Embiid deservingly won the MVP award

The Denver Nuggets swept the Los Angeles Lakers to win the Western Conference Finals. After winning the series, Jokic was asked about Joel Embiid winning the MVP award and he came up with a very positive response.

Jokic slammed people who were calling Embiid undeserving of the MVP. The two-time MVP, Jokic praised Embiid for playing tough basketball for the entirety of the season. “People are just mean in saying that Embiid shouldn’t have won it,” Jokic said. “I think he should have won it. I think he was playing, if you watch it, extremely tough basketball through the whole season. … He was really amazing,” Jokic stated.

During the regular season, Jokic and Embiid were the front runners for the MVP trophy. Embiid finished the regular season averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. The Philadelphia big man finished runner-up to Jokic in the previous two seasons as the Serb won both the MVP titles.

Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, performed admirably during the regular season. Jokic averaged 24.5 points per game, 11.8 rebounds per game, and 9.8 assists per game. Jokic guided the Nuggets to the top of the Western Conference.

However, Jokic continued that form in the playoffs and he reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world. He won the Western Conference MVP trophy and was very grateful to his teammates and coaches.

“For me to be honest, nothing,” Jokic said. “This trophy is supposed to go to my teammates and coaches. They put me in this situation…I’m just first among the equals and I’m just happy that were collectively getting wins and getting to make something.”

Jokic turned into a different beast in the playoffs averaging 29.9 ppg (53.8% shooting, including 47.4% from 3-point range), 13.3 rebounds per game and 10.3 assists per game. He defeated the Timberwolves in the first round, followed by a super trio of the Phoenix Suns in the second round. They finally swept past the Los Angeles Lakers.

This is the first time in their franchise’s history that the Nuggets have made it to the NBA Championship finals. They await the winners of the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.