NBA MVP Jokic presents Hart Trophy to MacKinnon before Avalanche opener

Nuggets center shows up in support of fellow Ball Arena tenant

Jokic Mackinnon Avs
By Dan O'Leary
@DanOLeary25 NHL.com Staff Writer

It takes an MVP to know an MVP.

Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon was presented the 2024 Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's Most Valuable Player, on Saturday by none other than 2024 NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Fans at Ball Arena gave a loud roar for Jokic, the Denver Nuggets center and three-time NBA MVP ('21, '22 and '24), who also calls the building home, as he emerged holding the Hart Trophy and placed it gently on the table.

MacKinnon, a first-time Hart winner, skated over and gave the big man, who was wearing MacKinnon's No. 29 jersey, a big hug before the pair posed for quite the legendary photo.

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