There’s been a lot of speculation on the Denver Nuggets run at the end of last season, and why they looked so terrible compared to the playoffs. Although the more optimistic fans figured it all stemmed from having the 1 seed wrapped up and knowing they can flip the switch Kronke confirms it started with the media MVP talk.
On the DNVR Show team President Josh Kronke confirms Jokic let up intentionally due to the MVP stories in the media, and wanted to focus on the playoffs.
Although I cut the clip, Kronke spoke more to Jokic mentality but also Adam Mares mentions it probably helped as the team went into the playoffs with less stress, which I agree with.
Full Interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/GwvMF5YaPLg?si=l3HyMqE_bjhCplJ8
Citation needed.
That’s just how it’s always been? The exact reverse situation happened the previous season, Embiid was the frontrunner most of the season, then the Sixers lost to the Nuggets and Bucks, and Jokic won out.
See this doesn’t make sense though because Jokic’s numbers, advanced stats, and team record with him in the lineup are all still better than Embiid’s. So no Embiid did not overtake him with the final part of the season. If anything, he just narrowed the gap a bit.