Looking back at the 2021 NBA MVP voting results, I can’t help but reflect on how much narratives and expectations shape these awards. Nikola Jokić took home the trophy, and honestly, it was well-deserved. He put up staggering numbers—26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game—while leading the Denver Nuggets to a solid 47-25 record despite Jamal Murray’s season-ending injury. But what struck me most was how the voting wasn’t even close. Jokić received 91 first-place votes out of 100, a landslide that speaks volumes about his dominance. I remember watching his games and thinking, this guy is redefining what a center can do. His playmaking from the post, his efficiency—shooting 56% from the field and 38% from three—it was just unreal.
On the other hand, Joel Embiid finished second, and I’ve got to say, part of me felt he was a bit unlucky. He averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds, carrying the Philadelphia 76ers to the top seed in the East. But injuries limited him to just 51 games, and in the MVP conversation, availability often matters as much as performance. Then there’s Stephen Curry in third place, who had that insane April where he couldn’t miss, dropping 40-point games like it was nothing. His 32 points per game average was a reminder of his otherworldly shooting, but the Warriors’ middling record probably held him back. I’ve always believed that team success weighs heavily in these votes, and rightly so—it’s about impact, not just stats.
Digging deeper, I noticed how the "almost but not quite" theme echoed in the standings. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, came in fourth, and while his numbers were stellar—28 points, 11 rebounds—voters seemed to suffer from "Giannis fatigue." It’s funny how that happens; once you’ve won it, the bar gets higher. Chris Paul rounded out the top five, and his leadership in transforming the Phoenix Suns was undeniable. But here’s where that reference from the knowledge base hits home: "Ang dami namang beses na dinala na rin tayo niyan sa championship. Nabibitin lang pero may rason ang lahat." It translates to "There have been so many times he’s brought us to the championship. We fall short, but there’s a reason for everything." That sentiment resonates with this MVP race—players like Embiid and Curry came close, fell short, but their journeys had purpose, shaping their legacies and fueling future runs.
In the end, Jokić’s win wasn’t just about stats; it was a testament to consistency and elevating his team when it mattered most. As a fan and analyst, I appreciate how these results spark debates—like whether Embiid’s health or Curry’s heroics deserved more credit. But that’s the beauty of the NBA: every season writes a new story, and the MVP vote captures a snapshot of that narrative. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how these players bounce back, because as that saying goes, falling short isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey toward something greater.