Nikola Jokic all but secures MVP with domination of Celtics

Although the margin of win indicates a close affair, those who watched the game would concede that Jokic controlled proceedings throughout the 39 minutes he was on the floor, as evidenced by his plus/minus of +9. 

The Celtics defense simply didn't have an answer for Jokic, who played old-school basketball by resorting to post-ups instead of dribble hand-off actions from the top of the key — something he relies upon against certain matchups. 

Every time Jokic was doubled in the post, he found a cutting Aaron Gordon, who soared to the rim for a dunk or layup upon getting the green light from his captain. It was beautiful to watch.

Just consider that Denver attempted only 21 threes in the game, a strikingly low number in the modern NBA where no team averages less than 30 threes per night. 

The fact that they can dominate games at a slower pace is an ominous sign for their opponents, most of whom are increasingly reliant on running up and down and jacking up threes. 

If not for Jokic, the Nuggets wouldn't be able to play such a style, making him more than just a star player — he's the system, the one who gives coaches sleepless nights.

So, why exactly did Jokic seal the MVP? It's simple — he dominated the team with the best record in the league for a second consecutive occasion, following his 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists against the Celtics on Jan. 19. 

Furthermore, Jokic's record against other elite teams makes his case even stronger. Against the Clippers and the Bucks — the teams with the third- and fourth-shortest odds to win the NBA title — he's averaging 27 points, 15.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists, and 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, respectively.

With a little over a month left in the regular season, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas have all but crowned Jokic the MVP, giving him the shortest odds (-150) to capture the award. 

His only real threat at this point is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+240), whose Oklahoma City Thunder continue to maintain a top-three seed in the crowded West. 

If SGA could drive the Thunder to the No. 1 seed over the next month, the race could get interesting. 

That said, voters who watched Jokic feast on Boston's defense on two consecutive occasions have likely made up their minds already. Jokic is simply undeniable.