Embid, Jokic, Atetokunmpo, finalists for the NBA MVP Awards

NEW YORK (AP) – Nikola Jokic is a finalist who won the second consecutive NBA MVP award, along with two-time winner Janice Atetokunmpa and Joel Embiid.

The NBA released the top three in the vote for their individual awards on Sunday, with the expected names in the fight for the award.

Jokic, the center of the Denver Nuggets, ended his two-year run at Atetokunp last season and was just as good this season. Embid, hoping to join them at the MVP club, led the NBA in results.

The award winners will be announced during the postseason.

Other finalists:

DEFENSES OF THE YEAR

Michal Bridges (Phoenix), Rudy Gober (Utah), Marcus Smart (Boston).

COACH OF THE YEAR

Taylor Jenkins (Memphis), Eric Spoelstra (Miami), Monty Williams (Phoenix).

THE MOST CORRECTED PLAYERS

Darius Garland (Cleveland), Ja Marant (Memphis), Dejunte Murray (San Antonio).

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Scotty Barnes (Toronto), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Evan Mobley (Cleveland).

SIXTH PERSON OF THE YEAR

Tyler Era (Miami), Cam Johnson (Phoenix), Kevin Love (Cleveland).

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