Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has taken the No. 1 spot on the Kia MVP Ladder after a 55-point outburst against the LA Clippers. His season stats include 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds and 10.9 assists per game, leading the league in rebounds and assists. The Nuggets are 9-2 this season.
Nikola Jokić's offensive dominance has reached new heights in the 2025-26 NBA season, powering the Denver Nuggets to a strong start. On Wednesday night, Jokić erupted for a season-high 55 points against the LA Clippers, shooting 18-for-23 from the field (78%) and 5-for-6 from three-point range. He added 12 rebounds and 6 assists in just 34 minutes, becoming the fourth player in NBA history—and the first this century—to score 55 points on 78% shooting or better. The Nuggets secured the win, with Jokić personally outscoring the Clippers' starting five.
Over an eight-day stretch, Jokić posted a 55-point game, a 33-point, 15-rebound, 16-assist performance, and scored 26 points without attempting a free throw. His season shooting efficiency stands at 67% from the field, including 78% on two-pointers (101-for-129). He is perfect 7-for-7 from 15-19 feet and has made 86 of 110 shots from 0-9 feet. Averaging 28.8 points on just 16.1 attempts, Jokić is on pace for the unprecedented 60-40-80 shooting club.
Jokić leads the league in rebounds (13.1) and assists (10.9), achieving a triple-double average while the Nuggets outscore opponents by 15.3 points with him on the floor. Denver is 9-2, and Jokić is the early MVP favorite at +200 odds. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue noted, "Our game plan was to make him score and take away his passing." Nuggets coach David Adelman praised, "He’s the most efficient basketball player I’ve ever seen … please show me who else is out there that plays like this, at this efficient level offensively."
The Kia MVP Ladder, updated November 14, 2025, places Jokić at No. 1, ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama. His all-around skills as scorer, passer and rebounder continue to set him apart.