Alright, let’s talk about the top contenders for the NBA MVP in 2021. Nikola Jokic stood tall this year, leading the Denver Nuggets with jaw-dropping stats. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. These numbers show not just his scoring ability but also his usefulness in facilitating plays. If you consider the Player Efficiency Rating (PER), which was a crazy 31.3, it paints a picture of how impactful he was on the court.
Another player who fought tooth and nail for the MVP was Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia 76ers’ big man had an incredible run, boasting an average of 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. His sheer presence in the paint made the Sixers serious contenders. But let’s not forget his 51.3% shooting from the field and 37.7% from the three-point line. Those are insane efficiency numbers for a center and perfectly encapsulate modern basketball’s evolution.
Of course, you can’t leave out Giannis Antetokounmpo from this conversation. The Greek Freak may have already won back-to-back MVPs, but he still put up strong numbers in 2021. With averages of 28.1 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, Giannis showed how well-rounded he is. You can also look at his defensive stats—1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game—to see his all-around game.
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ sniper, also made a compelling case. Curry finished the season as the league’s scoring champion, averaging 32 points per game. His shooting was otherworldly, hitting 42.1% of his three-point attempts on a ridiculous volume of 12.7 attempts per game. And in a historical context, Curry broke his own record for most three-pointers in a month with 96 in April. Amazing, right?
Then there’s Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. Luka’s ability to control the game stood out as he averaged 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. His 35.1% shooting from beyond the arc also kept defenses honest. Remember when he had that jaw-dropping buzzer-beater against the Memphis Grizzlies? That shot alone cemented his status as one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Finally, let’s not forget Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard averaged 28.8 points, 7.5 assists, and made nearly 40% of his three-pointers. Dame Time moments were aplenty, but that game-winning three-pointer against the Chicago Bulls showcases his clutch abilities. His leadership kept the Trail Blazers in playoff contention despite numerous injuries to key players.
Even though James Harden didn’t win, he had an MVP-caliber season. Harden averaged 24.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.9 assists in his new role with the Brooklyn Nets. His transformation from a primary scorer in Houston to a playmaker in Brooklyn was seamless. Let’s talk about the industry chatter when he had that 30-point triple-double in his debut with the Nets. That was historic! It showed his versatility and ability to impact a game in multiple ways.
Where do these individual performances, efficiency ratings, and historical feats leave us? The MVP race was loaded with elite talents who brought something unique to the table. But if you want to keep updated with NBA MVP 2021 news, you should definitely check out nba mvp 2021. It’ll give you a well-rounded perspective on the season.
Across the league, the competitive spirit was undeniably high, with players delivering unforgettable performances night after night. Whether it was Jokic’s all-around brilliance, Embiid’s dominant force, or Curry’s shooting displays, each contender left a mark on the 2021 season. In a year full of surprises and records, the MVP race was a testament to the incredible talent in today’s NBA.