The Denver Nuggets’ Standout Performers in the NBA End-of-Season Awards
With the NBA playoffs officially underway, it’s now the time when the league announces the finalists for its end-of-season awards. This gives fans a glimpse at the top three candidates for each of the major honors, highlighting the players who made the most significant impact during the regular season.
For the Denver Nuggets, the team has several players who have been recognized as finalists for these prestigious awards. From the Most Valuable Player (MVP) to the Clutch Player of the Year, the Nuggets have three opportunities to claim one of the seven major awards. This is a well-deserved achievement, especially considering their 54-win season and their position as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Here’s a closer look at the Nuggets’ players who are up for these awards:
MVP: Nikola Jokic
65 GP, 27.7 PTS, 12.9 REB, 10.7 AST, 56.9/38.0/80.0
Nikola Jokic has become a familiar name at the top of the MVP ballot, but his performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is now trending towards being within the top two of MVP voting for the last six seasons, showcasing his consistency and dominance on the court.
Jokic’s 2025-26 season has been one of his best yet, with numbers that are hard to ignore. Despite this, he might not even win the MVP award, which would be surprising given his performance. His inclusion as an MVP finalist once again highlights his status as one of the greatest big men in NBA history and marks a six-year stretch that is difficult for any player to match in terms of raw counting stats.
Sixth Man of the Year: Tim Hardaway Jr.
80 GP, 6 GS, 13.5 PTS, 2.6 REB, 1.4 AST, 44.7/40.7/81.1
One of the most pleasant surprises of the Nuggets’ season, Tim Hardaway Jr. has made a strong case for the Sixth Man of the Year award. He joins Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Keldon Johnson as one of the three finalists for this honor.
According to Basketball Reference, Hardaway has been within the top 10 of the league’s Sixth Man of the Year voting four times in the past 12 seasons. This year, however, marks the first time he has finished within the top three.
This season also represents Hardaway Jr.’s second-career best campaign in terms of field goal percentage and his best in three-point shooting. Adding a Sixth Man of the Year award to his resume would be a fitting reward for what has been an impressive season, and it could lead to a significant payday this offseason.
Clutch Player of the Year: Jamal Murray
75 GP, 25.4 PTS, 4.4 REB, 7.1 AST, 48.3/43.5/88.7
While the Clutch Player of the Year award may not carry the same prestige as the other two, it is still a notable honor. Jamal Murray is one of the three players who could take home the award, and he has had an outstanding season as a guard.
Murray was particularly effective in late-game situations, averaging 7.3 fourth-quarter points throughout the season. Only four other players managed to average over seven points in the fourth quarter. Last year, Jokic was the Nuggets’ representative for this award, finishing second behind Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks. Now, it’s Murray’s turn to shine, and a potential Clutch Player of the Year award could complement an All-NBA nod in the future.
