Nikola Jokic has once again been named to the All-NBA First Team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players. The announcement came on Friday, highlighting Jokic’s consistent excellence during a challenging NBA season for the Denver Nuggets.
After the Nuggets’ playoff exit following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, attention has shifted to Jokic’s individual achievements. Despite falling short of reaching the Western Conference finals, Jokic delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. This led to his fifth selection to the All-NBA First Team and marked his seventh consecutive season being named to an All-NBA team, setting a new franchise record for the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic’s Role in the Nuggets’ Playoff Journey
The Denver Nuggets began their postseason against the Los Angeles Clippers, a team featuring stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Despite the formidable opposition, Denver managed to prevail in that matchup. However, their momentum stalled when facing the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to their eventual elimination from the playoffs and halting their chase for the Western Conference finals.
Throughout the playoffs and regular season, Jokic remained the cornerstone of Denver’s efforts, consistently putting up elite numbers and demonstrating leadership on both ends of the court. His achievements have drawn admiration and support from the Nuggets fan base and beyond, standing as a testament to his relentless work ethic and skill.
Fans Celebrate Jokic’s Historic Achievement
The news of Jokic’s All-NBA First Team honor was met with enthusiasm across social media platforms. Supporters praised his sustained excellence and impact on the game, recognizing him as a franchise legend. One fan exclaimed,
“Incredible! Nikola Jokić named to the All-NBA First Team for the fifth time and selected to an All-NBA team for the seventh consecutive season – absolute Nuggets record holder! #Joker #NBALegend.”
Others echoed similar sentiments with remarks such as, “He’s a legend,” and,
“Consistently working the man into the ground.”
Another user highlighted Jokic’s value by stating, “The real MVP,” while some fans speculated on the hypothetical impact of pairing him with players like Russell Westbrook, noting,
“IF RUSS PLAY AS A STARTER WITH JOKIC HE IS AT 1ST ALL NBA TEAM.”
Season Context and Future Outlook
Although many expected Jokic to claim the NBA Most Valuable Player award for this season, the honor went to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Nevertheless, Jokic’s performance remained outstanding, further raising his profile as one of the game’s most versatile and dominant centers.
As the Denver Nuggets regroup following their playoff defeat, Jokic’s recognition as an All-NBA First Team member provides hope and motivation for the team’s future campaigns. His leadership and consistent production will be key factors as Denver aims to advance further in the highly competitive Western Conference.