With a record of 11-8 in 19 games, the Nuggets are four games behind the No. 1 seed while sitting at No. 8 in the conference. The West is so narrow. A lot can change in the table in the next 60+ games, which is incredibly exciting.

For the Nuggets, they have an opportunity to build an identity with their current roster, which could be huge. After their recent win over the Golden State Warriors, Jokic and Aaron Gordon were two more role players from Denver.

Jokic and Gordon name two “winning players” on the squad

As previously mentioned, the Nuggets have plenty of time to figure out their identity and figure out how to integrate their backup players into the lineup while maintaining productivity. The Milwaukee Bucks are a prime example of a team doing that this season as they turned things around in a great way.

The Nuggets could benefit from such a turn of events and it could be that two key players emerge and play a style of basketball that will help the club win basketball games. Both Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun played big roles in Denver’s recent win over the Warriors.

Both Jokic and Gordon praised Westbrook and Braun for their efforts in the competition.

“These are winning games. These are winning players,” said Jokic about the duo who play with great enthusiasm.

Westbrook’s entire career was characterized by the fact that he played with a lot of motor and never lacked effort and hustle. He makes successful plays regardless of the narrative that surrounds him. Gordon had a similar message about the two.

“Just winners, man,” Gordon said of the two. “They are winners through and through. They have so much heart and it shows in the game.”

Jokic’s MVP-caliber season continues

The Nuggets eked out a 119-115 win, and while Westbrook and Braun’s efforts were beneficial, Jokic put up another elite stat line. In 40 minutes, he scored 38 points, ten rebounds and six assists and converted 14 of his 24 shot attempts. He also achieved a plus value of 23 in the penalty area in these minutes.

Considering the Serbian superstar has won three of the last four MVP trophies, it’s hard to imagine he can top his performances in these seasons, right? Not quite. He is having a career year, averaging 30.1 points per game along with 13 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game.

Jokic has been great and the only reason he won’t win MVP is voter fatigue or the team’s record. However, if the Nuggets are seeded in the top four and Jokic maintains his statistical averages, he should win his fourth MVP in five years – just like LeBron James did earlier in his career.

If Denver can get consistent effort from Westbrook and Braun in addition to MVP-caliber play from Jokic, the Nuggets should be able to make a bit of a run. However, Jamal Murray still needs to step up as Gordon’s performance has been consistent but they are dependent on the return of their star guard.

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