I still remember the excitement buzzing through the basketball community during the 2021 NBA season. There was this palpable tension about who would claim the MVP crown, and honestly, I found myself constantly checking stats and highlights, trying to predict the outcome. When the results finally dropped, it wasn't just about numbers—it felt like witnessing a narrative unfold, one that reminded me of that poignant phrase from the knowledge base: "Ang dami namang beses na dinala na rin tayo niyan sa championship. Nabibitin lang pero may rason ang lahat." It translates to how many times we've been brought to the championship, only to fall short, but there's a reason for everything. That sentiment perfectly captures the essence of the 2021 MVP race, where past near-misses and relentless effort culminated in a well-deserved victory.
Nikola Jokić emerged as the clear winner, and let me tell you, it wasn't just a fluke. The Denver Nuggets' center put up staggering numbers: 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game over the 72-game season. I've followed his career for years, and seeing him evolve from a promising rookie to the league's most valuable player was a thrill. He secured 91 first-place votes out of 100, amassing a total of 971 points in the voting—a dominant performance that left other contenders in the dust. Joel Embiid came in second with 586 points and just 1 first-place vote, while Stephen Curry rounded out the top three with 453 points. What stood out to me, though, was how Jokić's journey mirrored that idea of falling short before succeeding. He'd been knocking on the door in previous seasons, improving bit by bit, and in 2021, everything clicked. His ability to carry the Nuggets despite injuries to key players like Jamal Murray showed a level of resilience that, in my view, made him the undeniable choice. I mean, the guy played 72 out of 72 games, showcasing durability that's rare in today's game.
But let's dig deeper into why this matters beyond the stats. The question of who won the 2021 NBA MVP voting isn't just a trivia point—it's a case study in perseverance and team dynamics. Jokić's story resonates because it's not about flashy headlines or big-market glamour; it's about grinding through setbacks. Reflecting on that knowledge base insight, "Nabibitin lang pero may rason ang lahat," I see how his previous seasons of coming up short, like the Nuggets' playoff exits, fueled his growth. In 2021, he addressed the "problem" of inconsistent support by elevating his playmaking, effectively becoming the team's engine. Opponents struggled to counter his unique skill set as a big man who could shoot, pass, and rebound at an elite level. From my perspective, the solution wasn't just individual brilliance but his knack for making everyone around him better, which boosted the Nuggets' offensive rating to 116.1 when he was on the court. That's a tangible impact that stats alone can't fully capture.
What I take away from this is a lesson in patience and adaptation, both for players and fans. As someone who's analyzed countless seasons, I believe Jokić's MVP win underscores that success often comes after repeated near-misses. It's a reminder to appreciate the journey, not just the destination. For teams looking to build a champion, it highlights the value of nurturing talent through ups and downs. Personally, I think this outcome will influence how future MVPs are evaluated, putting more emphasis on consistency and leadership over sheer star power. So, next time you're debating who won the 2021 NBA MVP voting, remember it's more than a title—it's a story of why falling short can pave the way for something greater.
