Overview

• Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's top two MVP contenders, begin their playoff series Monday in Oklahoma City.
• Jokic became the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double, excelling in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals while maintaining elite shooting percentages.
• Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring with 32.7 points per game and anchored the Thunder's league-best defense, guiding the youngest team to a 68-win season.
• Both players and their coaches emphasize that the MVP debate will not distract from their focus on advancing in the playoffs.
• The NBA MVP award will be announced live on TNT during this round, adding an intriguing layer to the series narrative.