With the NBA season underway, Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, averaging an impressive 29.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Despite his MVP credentials, former teammate Austin Rivers sparked debate on the Offguard Podcast, claiming that Karl-Anthony Towns has a better offensive skill set than Jokic. Rivers argued that Towns excels in scoring and has greater versatility in his offensive game, even though Jokic is widely acknowledged as the league’s best player.
Fans and analysts found Rivers’ opinion surprising, given the stats. Jokic boasts three MVP awards and an NBA Finals MVP, while head-to-head data shows Towns averaging 24 points per game compared to Jokic’s 18.9 across their 23 matchups. However, as Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets—despite their slow start—some league executives worry about his workload and the potential need for load management.
In a recent milestone moment, Jokic led the Nuggets to a thrilling 144-139 overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets. The reigning MVP made history by becoming the first player to record multiple 40-point games and triple-doubles in just four games this season. Posting 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in the Nets game, Jokic’s impact is undeniable. However, for the Nuggets to push for another title, his teammates will need to elevate their performance and take some of the pressure off their star.
