OKLAHOMA CITY \u2013 The NBA got a step closer to another contentious Most Valuable Player debate Friday at Paycom Center.<\/p>\n
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made his return against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets after missing the previous nine games with an abdominal strain. The rematch of last season\u2019s second-round playoff series marked the 50th game last season\u2019s MVP played this season. Jokic is at 44 games after Friday.<\/p>\n
Players must play in 65 games to be eligible for MVP and the major awards. The rule was instituted ahead of the 2023-24 season and is already receiving pushback.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose two guys in particular, the rule wasn\u2019t made for them. They both got hurt. They both always play,\u201d Nuggets coach David Adelman said prior to tipoff.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen a fan buys a ticket, they\u2019re going to play. They\u2019ve done that over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adelman and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said the rule won\u2019t impact how they handle their respective stars for the rest of the season. Daigneault added he tries to stay out of such debates.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re obviously aware of it with all of our players. Individual awards are something that guys want, earn and have ambition for. We would be na\u00efve not to know that,\u201d Daigneault said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always going to prioritize the health of our players in every situation. We\u2019re always going to be wise in every situation, including the 65-game rule.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gilgeous-Alexander remains the betting favorite to go back-to-back and has more margin for error than Jokic, who can only miss one of Denver\u2019s final 22 games if he wants to remain eligible. Gilgeous-Alexander\u2019s 31.8 points per game ranks second to only Luka Doncic. He\u2019s also averaging 6.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 55.4% from the field, 39% from 3-point range and 89.2% on free throws.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe guy is unique, special. He was the MVP of our league last year, so he brings all kinds of challenges,\u201d Adelman said. \u201cHe gets to his spots.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jokic\u2019s 28.8 points per game ranks sixth, but he leads the league in rebounds (12.5) and assists (10.4) per game, while shooting 57.7% from the field, 41.3% from 3-pointer range and 83% on free throws.<\/p>\n
The first of the head-to-head matchups this season went to Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 121-111 win in Denver with 34 points, 13 assists and five rebounds on Feb. 1. It was his penultimate performance before his injury. The first game against Oklahoma City was Jokic\u2019s second after missing more than a month. He finished with 16 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 29 minutes.<\/p>\n
The NBA\u2019s premier talents meet back at Paycom Center on March 9 and again on April 10 in Denver, both teams\u2019 second-to-last games of the regular season. Each matchup will loom large in the MVP debate, as long as both players can stay healthy.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to see two of the best tonight,\u201d Adelman said.<\/p>\n
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