Setting the tone this week, Nikola Jokic downplayed the importance of Wednesday’s game against Minnesota, only to dominate it and propel Denver to first place in the Western Conference with a 116-107 victory against the Timberwolves.

Jokic scored 41 points on 16 of 20 attempts while being mostly defended by Rudy Gobert, the Kia Defensive Player of the Year. The reigning Finals MVP also had 11 rebounds and seven assists, taking control late in the third quarter to smash the NBA’s best defense.

Jokic’s 20th 40-point game effectively sealed his third Kia MVP award.

At least, that is how it appears from this vantage point.

As a result, Jokic finishes first for the fourth straight season in the final edition of the Kia Race to the MVP Ladder for 2023-24.

If Jokic wins his third MVP award, he will join Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Moses Malone as three-time winners. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six), Michael Jordan (five), Bill Russell (five), LeBron James (four), and Wilt Chamberlain have won more MVP awards.

So, you may dispute about the historical context here.

But Jokic appears to be about to fall exactly where he (rightfully) belongs.

One stat to remember: 25-12-8 — Jokic, who averages 26.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, will almost certainly become only the second player since Oscar Robertson (30.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 11.4 apg) in 1961-62 to average those stats in a season. Robertson completed this accomplishment while averaging 44.3 minutes. Jokic averages 34.6 mpg.

What they’re saying: “Rudy Gobert is going to be remembered as one of the best defenders of his generation, which only goes to show how brilliant Nikola is. I don’t think anyone in the NBA can guard Nikola one-on-one.” – Nuggets coach Michael Malone.

And now for the top five in the final 2023-24 Kia Race to the MVP Ladder.

1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets.

Last week’s ranking: number one

Season statistics: 26.6 ppg, 12.4 rpg, and 9 apg.

Jokic is first in overall plus-minus (664), second in total assists (691), third in total rebounds (954) and fifth in total points (2,048). The veteran is also in the top ten for a couple hustling stats.

Then, when considering Jokic’s case, consider data such as true shooting percentage in clutch circumstances (69.8%) and player impact estimate. Jokic checks most of the requirements, and if the Nuggets win, his case grows even stronger.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder

Last week’s ranking: No. 3.

Season statistics: 30.4 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.

His case: It’s a tough decision considering all of Luka Doncic’s momentum from wins and eye-popping numbers, while Gilgeous-Alexander has missed six of OKC’s previous nine. SGA has played three more games than Doncic, propelling a club of virtual unknowns into Western Conference contention.

Despite his absence due to injury, Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated his smoothness in Wednesday’s victory over San Antonio. The two-way sensation has 66 points in two games since returning to the lineup.

3. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks.

Last week’s ranking: No. 2.

Season statistics: 33.9 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists.

His case: Doncic’s success during a turbulent season in Dallas should not be disregarded, as the Mavericks have won 16 of their last 18 games, including Wednesday’s 111-92 victory over Miami. Doncic blew up the Heat in the first quarter, scoring 13 points and finishing with 29 points.

There is no question that Doncic should be ranked second. He’s faced greater challenges while producing more than Gilgeous-Alexander. But he also plays with a future Hall of Famer.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks.

Last week’s ranking: No. 4.

Season statistics: 30.4 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.

His case: Antetokounmpo, like Doncic, has thrived in difficult circumstances, averaging more than 30 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a career-high 6.5 assists. He is out for the rest of the regular season due to a left soleus strain.

But let’s hope the eight-time All-Star is back for the start of the playoffs. Antetokounmpo started quickly in Tuesday’s win over Boston before suffering his latest injury late in the third quarter.

5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics.

Last week’s ranking: No. 5.

Season statistics: 26.9 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.

His case: Perhaps Anthony Edwards or Jalen Brunson are better suited for this position. However, it is difficult to minimize Tatum’s importance on a squad that has been historically dominant this season. Boston secured first place in the Eastern Conference and the NBA a while ago, and Tatum’s maturation is the primary reason for this.

Say whatever you want about the supporting characters. But Tatum has made more 3-pointers (1,239) than any other player before his 26th birthday (March 3), while ranking fifth in regular-season wins (327) over that time.

The next five

6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings (No. 6 last week).7. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves. (Last week’s ranking: #9)8. Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks (unranked last week)9. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns (unranked last week).10. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns (ranked No. 7 last week).

And five more (in alphabetical order): Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics; Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers; Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers; and Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers.