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Doncic and Jokic: NBA Rivals Eye MVP in 2025

9/23/2025

41 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have faced each other 18 times in the NBA, 9-9.
Doncic leads in scoring at 27.3 points per game, while Jokic averages 12.4 rebounds.
Jokic is a three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and NBA champion; Doncic has not yet won either.
As the 2025-26 season nears, Jokic is viewed as the frontrunner for MVP.

History

Historical Context

The 2020 NBA season was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a unique playoff format. The Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Los Angeles Clippers. This season intensified the rivalry between Jokic and Luka Doncic, both of whom have emerged as key figures in the evolving landscape of NBA talent, with Jokic winning three MVP awards by 2024.

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Story summary

Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic have faced each other 18 times in the NBA, 9-9.
Doncic leads in scoring at 27.3 points per game, while Jokic averages 12.4 rebounds.
Jokic is a three-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and NBA champion; Doncic has not yet won either.
As the 2025-26 season nears, Jokic is viewed as the frontrunner for MVP.

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