Kevin Durant gives verdict on Nikola Jokic vs. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander MVP race: “He’s never an underdog”

After experiencing Nikola Jokic's historic night firsthand, Durant firmly rejected the idea that the Joker is an "underdog" in the MVP race.

Kevin Durant gives verdict on Nikola Jokic vs. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander MVP race: “He’s never an underdog”

Kevin Durant eschews the idea of Nikola Jokic being an underdog in the MVP race

After Friday’s loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant got candid in his post-game interview about how special the Serbian center truly is. The game was neck and neck until the very end, with clutch daggers coming from both sides.

First, Jokic threw a dime to Christian Braun for an open three to take the lead, with only six seconds left on the clock. On the next play, KD sank a corner three with only 1.4 seconds left, sending the contest to overtime.

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However, the game slipped out of the Phoenix Suns’ hands in overtime, with the Nuggets securing the victory with a final score of 149-141. After the game, while talking to reporters, KD couldn’t hide his admiration for a formidable opponent like Jokic, dubbing him an “all-time great.”

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When one reporter brought up that Jokic is listed as an underdog to win the MVP this year, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is favored, Kevin Durant dismissed the notion completely.

No, he’s not a — stop it. I’m not gonna let y’all keep doing that, man. Jokic is never an underdog, man, in any situation. Stop. I’m just saying he’s not an underdog… Jokic can never be an underdog again. That s**t was outta window with his first MVP.

Kevin Durant remarked

While the former champion acknowledged that SGA is playing great basketball, he deterred from picking sides. On one hand, the three-time MVP eyeing his fourth award, and on the other, SGA—an epitome of aura—who’s on his first-ever MVP campaign as he continues to maintain OKC’s top seed in the West.

KD himself had a great night, numbers-wise. He shot 10-of-16 from the field along with his three daggers from deep, totaling 29 points. Additionally, he grabbed nine rebounds and dished out five assists. But his competitor was on a whole other level, putting up historic numbers that had never been done before.

Nikola Jokic posts a historic statline in a thrilling overtime victory

Nikola Jokic, aka the Joker, might be the quietest and most lethal offensive weapon in the NBA after maybe Tim Duncan. In Friday’s triumph, the three-time MVP became the first ever player to record a 30-point, 20-rebound, 20-assist game in NBA history.

He had 31 points, 21 rebounds and 22 assists, to be precise. Not only was this his 29th triple-double of this season, but he also shattered Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most assists by a center, previously set at 21.

This historic performance by the Serbian has re amplified the discussions about Jokic’s MVP candidacy, positioning him as a top contender alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Well, the fans may have their verdict on the Sunday night as the top two contenders of the KIA MVP ladder will go head-to-head to establish themselves as the true contenders of the West.