Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has once again earned recognition, capturing the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week award for the period spanning March 23-29 during the 2025-26 season. This honor highlights a significant return to form for the three-time MVP.

Jokic's Dominant Weekly Performance

Statistical Excellence in Week 23

During this standout week, Jokic guided the Nuggets to a flawless 4-0 record. His averages were exceptional, posting 26 points, 17 rebounds, and 14 assists per game. This performance marks his third Player of the Week selection this season, though it is his first since November.

This recent achievement comes after teammates Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson had earned the award more recently. Jokic has demonstrated an almost unstoppable level of play lately, finally securing the weekly honor again.

The Shadow of the MVP Race

Injury Derails Early Season Momentum

Jokic, who has won three MVP trophies between the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons, initially looked poised for a fourth career award early in the 2025-26 campaign. However, a month-long injury absence significantly hampered his MVP candidacy.

Before the injury sidelined him, Jokic was performing at a historic pace, averaging 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, 11.1 assists, and 1.4 steals through 31 games. He shot an efficient 60.4% from the field and 44% from three-point range.

Tough Competition and Voter Bias

Since returning, Jokic himself admitted his play was merely "so-so," which likely hurt his standing among MVP voters. Currently, he trails frontrunners Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Luka Doncic also firmly in contention for the award.

The league features a highly competitive MVP field this year, and Jokic's mid-season slump may have created too large a deficit to overcome. Wembanyama and Gilgeous-Alexander are further supported by leading their respective teams to the top two records in the NBA.

Finishing the Season Strong for the Playoffs

Jokic is now attempting to finish the season with exceptional performances to influence voters leaning toward recency bias. Hypothetically, if the Nuggets achieve a 12-game winning streak to close out the year, with Jokic averaging at least 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, it would send a powerful statement.

Such a late surge would also likely elevate the Nuggets to the third seed in the West, a favorable position for an MVP candidate. While the team's injury woes prevented them from maintaining an elite record, the NBA does not award MVPs based on what might have been.

Regardless of the MVP outcome, Jokic must elevate his game as the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs. His continued high-level play is essential for Denver's postseason success.