The MVP race is not going to be selected a Sunday afternoon in March. Neither is the Western Convention title.
Nonetheless, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder staked their declare Sunday that each of these issues ought to belong to them — SGA dropped 40 on the Denver Nuggets in a 127-103 win.
No MVP voter ought to base their vote on the end result of 1 sport (and even have their vote swayed all that a lot by 1-of-82), however any participant that’s going to win wants some signature moments and a few spectacular statistics. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has that.
Oklahoma Metropolis took over this sport and pulled away within the fourth quarter, profitable it 41-20. The Thunder dedicated simply 5 turnovers on the evening, a giant increase to their offense.
Aaron Gordon performed simply seven minutes due to tightness in his proper calf and didn’t return to the sport. His standing for Monday’s rematch between these groups is up within the air.
Nikola Jokic put up numbers — 24 factors, 13 rebounds and 9 assists — however appeared bothered each by the Thunder’s twin 7-footers (Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein) and by an elbow harm suffered within the first half when Jokic fell attempting to again down Hartenstein. After the sport Jokic had his elbow wrapped in ice and admitted it bothered him just a little — he shot 4-of-11 for 9 factors within the second half — however added that he’s advantageous. Jokic’s standing for Monday’s rematch is unknown.
Jalen Williams added 26 factors for the Thunder. Michael Porter Jr. joined Jokic with 24 factors for Denver.
