Coach Karl’s Corner: Primetime games are vital to Jokic’s MVP chances

There is growing talk about Jokic as an MVP candidate this season. He’s been playing so consistent and so well. The increased recognition is well deserved. The simplicity of his game is a joy to watch and he is an amazing team-first guy. It’s marvelous to have him here in Denver.

But, MVPs are crowned by how they play in the games that matter most and especially the ones that, for a smaller market team like Denver, are viewed by a primetime audience. This current stretch of games in February, with the Lakers twice, the Bucks and Celtics in a 10-day period of time is an important point to establish Joker’s MVP credibility and the team’s legitimacy.

The game at L.A. on Thursday night was a missed opportunity for the Nuggets. Denver had a 12-point halftime lead, but saw that fade quickly in the third quarter due to a 46-18 run by the Lakers.

Jokic wasn’t able to follow-up his 47-point explosion against the Jazz a few nights ago with much success and only wound up with 13 points. LeBron was LeBron and likely took another step towards his fifth MVP title.

Hopefully, the Nuggets can turn it back around this weekend in Sacramento and get some revenge for those December losses to the Kings. Then, it’s on to Giannis and the Bucks in an important Monday night tilt.