Jokic’s NBA MVP A Win For Hoops-Crazed Nations Outside US
May 11, 2022, 9:06 AM
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after their double overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Five of their Western Conference first-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 1, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
LONDON (AP) — There’s no denying the international flavor when it comes to the NBA elite with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic poised to become the fourth straight foreign-born player to capture the league’s MVP award when it’s announced.
It’s the second consecutive time the Serbian big man has been crowned the best player in the league.
Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid congratulates Nikola Jokic on winning the 2022 NBA MVP award. 🏆 #MVP pic.twitter.com/fnix0MNf5p
— Travis Jacque' Rose (@RoseSportsPod) May 11, 2022
This time, he beat out two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece and the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia center Joel Embiid of Cameroon to mark another first — never before have the top three in MVP voting all been internationals.
76ers coach Doc Rivers says there will be more, realizing former Commissioner David Stern’s global vision for the game.
