NBA Playoffs MVP Power Rankings: Young guard trumps MVP winner for first place

2. Nikola Jokic

Last rank: 1

Similarly to the New York Knicks, the Denver Nuggets found themselves up 3-2 over the Minnesota Timberwolves and well on their way to defending their NBA title once again. Unfortunately for Denver, they didn't anticipate Minnesota going nuclear in Game 6 and 7 to win the series.

Despite choking a 3-2 series lead for a chance at advancing to the Western Conference Finals, Nikola Jokic didn't disappoint for a single game. The now three-time MVP single-handedly kept his team alive after falling two games behind early in the series with the Timberwolves.

Jokic was one of Denver's few bright spots in a tough series. Unfortunately for NBA fans, Jokic has played his final game of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Jokic dominated all season long and stamped his name as one of the greatest centers of all time. Fans have even begun to discuss whether Jokic is the greatest European to play the game of basketball. With names like Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo in that discussion, it's hard to argue in favor of Jokic. However, after winning his third MVP award in four seasons he could likely have etched his name as the greatest European basketball player ever.

This may have been a disappointing end to the season for Jokic but he should hold his head up high as the Nuggets will only bounce back from a loss like this.