NBA Announces Weekly MVP: Jokic and Tatum Selected; Doncic, Harden, Sengun Among Nominees

On March 31 Beijing time, the NBA officially announced the Week 23 Players of the Week. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was named Western Conference Player of the Week, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Stars like Luka Doncic, James Harden, and Alperen Sengun received nominations.

Western Conference Player of the Week: Nikola Jokic

This marks Jokic's third time winning the award this season. Throughout his career, he has now been named Western Conference Player of the Week 20 times, ranking first in Nuggets franchise history.

Over four games last week, Jokic averaged 26.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 14.0 assists, with a field goal percentage of 56.3% and a three-point percentage of 43.8%, leading the Nuggets to a 4-0 undefeated record.

In the game against the Suns, Jokic posted 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists, becoming the 12th player in NBA history to record 17+ points, 17+ rebounds, and 17+ assists in a single game. This was also his third career achievement of this feat. Against the Mavericks, he scored 23 points, 21 rebounds, 19 assists, and 1 steal, becoming the first player in NBA history to have consecutive games with 20+ points, 17+ rebounds, and 17+ assists. In the game against the Jazz, he contributed 33 points, 16 rebounds, 12 assists, and 1 steal, securing his third triple-double of the week. Against the Warriors, he scored a game-high 25 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.

Jokic is currently only 15 triple-doubles away from surpassing Russell Westbrook (195) to become the NBA's all-time triple-double leader. So far this season, he averages 27.9 points, a career-high 12.9 rebounds, a career-high 10.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, with a field goal percentage of 57.3% and a three-point percentage of 38.8%. He leads the league with 31 triple-doubles and ranks second in the league with 51 double-doubles.

Eastern Conference Player of the Week: Jayson Tatum

This is Tatum's 13th career selection as Player of the Week, his first since returning from a severe Achilles injury this season. It is also his first Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor since January 7, 2025.

Over three games last week, Tatum averaged 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, helping the Celtics achieve a 3-0 record.

Against the Thunder, Tatum recorded 19 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Against the Hawks, he had 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists. Against the Hornets, he scored 32 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 block, setting personal season highs in points and assists.

Since announcing his strong comeback on March 7, he has averaged 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

Other nominated players are as follows:

Western Conference: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves (Lakers), Darius Garland, Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Alperen Sengun (Rockets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)

Eastern Conference: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Hawks), Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Jalen Duren (Pistons), James Harden (Cavaliers), Payton Pritchard (Celtics)