Nuggets' Jamal Murray Makes MVP Case for Nikola Jokić: 'Hard to Deny His Greatness'

Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray believes that Nikola Jokić deserves to win his fourth MVP award in five seasons.

"It's hard to deny his greatness," Murray said, per Shakeia Taylor of The Athletic. "If you look at the stats, and his stats are better than every other MVP (season) he's ever had, then you know, what can you say? Well, what's going to be your argument?"

The superstar center is in the midst of another incredible season, averaging career-highs in points (29.6), assists (10.1) and steals per game (1.8) on 57.0/47.5/81.3 shooting splits. Jokić is also pulling down 12.8 rebounds each night, the second-best mark of his career.

He's on track to become the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double over the course of a full season, joining former MVPs Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson.

"He's someone that goes and brings it every single night on a daily basis and makes everybody around him better," Murray said, via Taylor.

Jokić leads the NBA with 76.5 passes made per game, while his 26.3 assist points created are the second-most in the association (via NBA.com).

The Nuggets' No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings could hurt his MVP case, as they've finished lower than No. 4 just once in the past six seasons.

Murray doesn't think that should affect his candidacy, though.

"We've been top seeded for a few years now, and they try to come up with all different kinds of reasons," Murray explained, per Taylor. "And I don't think they really have a strong, strong case. Even if some other guys are playing really well, it's really hard to deny other numbers that he's putting up. There's not much you can say or down him about, especially this year."

"So just appreciate greatness, and it's fun to play in this time," he added. "And I don't take it for granted."

Denver has lost three of its past four games, sitting at 29-19 on the season.

If the Nuggets climb a bit further up the standings before the end of the year while Jokić continues to perform at a high level, he could become the sixth player in NBA history to win at least four MVP awards.