Nikola Jokic: A Stellar Start to the Season
In the world of professional basketball, few players are shining as brightly as Nikola Jokic, the center for the Denver Nuggets. With three MVP awards and two second-place finishes over the past five NBA seasons, Jokic is off to the most remarkable start of his career this season (2025-26), averaging an impressive 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 11.1 assists per game after 17 contests. This exceptional performance places him at the top of the league in both rebounds and assists, helping the Nuggets achieve a strong 13-4 record and a formidable standing in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Competing with the Best
Jokic is not alone in his pursuit of greatness; he is joined by fellow MVP winners Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder, both of whom are also exceeding impressive efficiency metrics this season. According to Stathead, among the 96 players in NBA history who have averaged at least 30 points per game in a season, Jokic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Antetokounmpo currently occupy the top rankings for true shooting percentage, with only Stephen Curry’s historic 2015-16 season breaking their streak.
Record-Breaking Performances
Notably, Jokic’s current game score average stands at 31.8, the best recorded through the initial 17 games of any season, surpassing his own previous record of 30.5 set last year. This remarkable statistic reflects a player’s overall contribution, taking both positive plays and mistakes into account. Historically, the top starts in this category are dominated by Jokic, with three seasons ranking among the top five since game scores began being tracked in 1983.
Jokic’s 70% shooting from two-point range has set a new benchmark, eclipsing Wilt Chamberlain’s longstanding record of 68% for players with minimum attempts per game. To put Jokic’s numbers into perspective, he is producing stats that few players have matched in the Nuggets’ storied history; only two others have recorded games with at least 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Chasing New Records
Furthermore, Jokic stands on the brink of setting another record: no player has ever led the league in both rebounds and assists per game in different seasons, let alone simultaneously—a feat he might achieve this season as he currently leads in both categories after finishing last season ranked second in assists and third in rebounds.
Strong Competition
While Jokic shines with historical achievements, Gilgeous-Alexander, last year’s MVP, is maintaining strong performance with an average of 28.1 game score and 32.2 points per game. His efficient play has him at the helm of the Thunder, who sport a remarkable 17-1 record. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo is averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, showing growth in his playmaking skills despite a recent injury limiting his time on the court.
In the mix is Luka Doncic, who leads the league in scoring with 34.5 points per game, coupled with solid rebounding and assist averages, making him a formidable candidate in the MVP race. However, as the season progresses, the intense competition poses questions about sustainability; players could see their stats regress as the season intensifies, particularly with tougher matchups and potential injuries impacting their output.
Conclusion
As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, it’s clear that the competition for MVP could result in an unforgettable showdown between these four phenomenal talents. Each player’s current trajectory suggests an exceptional season, potentially setting the stage for a trophy battle reminiscent of a historic era in basketball where elite players made their mark on the game. With scoring rates at an all-time high and the pace of play soaring, the landscape of the league is ripe for thrilling performances that could redefine individual and team excellence.
