While the focus might be on Jokic and his MVP battle against Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder got some massive news ahead of the Monday night matchup. For the first time since his injury in early November, star big man Chet Holmgren will be available for both games in a back-to-back, according to Rylan Stiles.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault stuck with his starting forward with only one foul to spare. Chet Holmgren helped his team put the finishing touches on a 24-point victory. He also finished with eight rebounds and four blocks as the Thunder scored a season-high 41 fourth-quarter points.

Telling reporters afterward that he's "playing the best basketball of my life," Denver star Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists, as his Nuggets defeated the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 140-127 on Monday night.