David Adelman didn't give Nikola Jokić or Jamal Murray a breather with the Thunder on the ropes. He should regret that.

Nikola Jokić is the best basketball player on the planet, and he was also, importantly, the NBA's best player this season. But he is also almost certainly going to fall short in MVP voting to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for reasons that were on full display in Game 5.

Nikola Jokic has posted historic numbers throughout the season. As he looks to earn his fourth MVP award, Jokic has averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. Jokic stands at top three in the league in each of those statistical categories.

DENVER — After a tough Game 2 in Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokić opted for a costume change ahead of Game 3. With his Denver Nuggets back home and a chance to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals, the Joker dressed up pregame Friday night as, well, the Joker. Seriously.

Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokić has done it all in the last few seasons. He has won three of the last four Most Valuable Player awards, winning in the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24 seasons, has been selected to the All-Star team in each of the last seven seasons and perhaps,