Jokic claims third career NBA MVP title

DENVER - Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokic has claimed a third career NBA MVP title in four years, the NBA announced on Wednesday evening.

The Denver Nuggets centre fended off competition from the Dallas Mavericks' Luka Doncic and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Jokic has become only the ninth NBA player in history with three or more MVP titles.

The Serbian averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and nine assists in the regular NBA season.

Reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets are currently trailing 2-0 in the Western Conference semi-final series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.