As the NBA world reacted to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder's 129-126 win against All-Star Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins singled out the three-time MVP. For the second time in 10 days, the Thunder defeated Jokic and the Nuggets at home in another instant classic between the two leading MVP candidates.
According to Rod Trippin, according to Perkins, despite Jokic having another typical regular season, he is not in tip-top shape.
"I don't believe Jokic is in the best shape, and he's still putting up these stats," Perkins said. "I believe Jokic needs to be in better shape because remember, when Jokic was at his best, we saw him running up those stairs in the offseason before the championship, watching all the videos. He looked more ripped, he was cut, and he was playing on both sides of the basketball."
For Perkins, Jokic was more effective on the defensive end of the floor, especially during the Nuggets' championship run in 2023.
Perkins said, "I'm just saying that everyone has been waiting for the Joker to take this turn." “And it seems like we haven't seen it defensively.”
Jokic's triple-double (32 points, 13 assists, 14 rebounds) led four Nuggets players to reach double figures, including starter Aaron Gordon (23 points, 10 rebounds) in his second game back from a hamstring injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. connected on eight threes en route to 28 points off the bench, and Jamal Murray added 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Nuggets will look to bounce back when they host the Rockets on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic gives flowers to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after defeat
After losing to the Thunder for the second time in 10 days, Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic gave his flowers to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for breaking Wilt Chamberlain's 63-year-old record in Monday's loss. The Thunder have an edge in the Western Conference rivalry, which could continue into the postseason. Jokic recently reaffirmed his loyalty to the Nuggets, calling it his home.
After Gilgeous-Alexander's historic night, Jokic had to remind reporters how hard is it According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, it is no easy feat for a player to score 20+ points in 126 consecutive games, breaking a 60+ year-old record.
"I don't know if people realize how hard it is to do that. To score 20 points in 10 (straight) games, not 120, no matter what, it's special. He's a special player," Jokic said. "It's a pleasure and a privilege to play against him."
Nikola Jokic ties Wilt with 126 consecutive 20-point games at SGA
"I don't know if people realize how hard it is to do that. To score 20 points in 10 (straight) games, not 120, whatever, it's special. He's a special player." pic.twitter.com/YMSWvXGbhj
- Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 10 March 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander's unforgettable night undoubtedly gives him a significant lead over Jokic in this year's MVP race.
