Oklahoma
Jokic, playing his ‘best basketball,’ fuels win
OKLAHOMA CITY — If Nikola Jokic wanted to campaign for MVP votes, his performance Monday night would have provided a pretty strong platform.
Jokic dominated despite battling elbow and ankle injuries one night after his Denver Nuggets lost to the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. He stuffed the box score with 35 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, a steal and a block in the Nuggets’ 140-127 win in the rematch between the teams, outshining Oklahoma City superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25 points, 7 assists), the player who might stand in the way of Jokic’s fourth MVP in five seasons.
But Jokic has never lobbied for MVP votes in the past and has no plans to do so this season, when he’s averaging career highs of 28.9 points, 10.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, ranking among the league’s top three in each of those categories as well as rebounds (13.0).
“I will say that I think I’m playing the best basketball of my life, so if that’s enough, that’s enough,” Jokic said. “If not, the guy [Gilgeous-Alexander] deserves it. He’s really amazing.”
Gilgeous-Alexander got the best of the battle of the MVP favorites on Sunday afternoon, scoring 40 points to lead the Thunder to a 127-103 win.
Denver mixed in zone looks Monday night, frequently committing a couple of defenders to Gilgeous-Alexander and limiting him to only 14 field goal attempts. Gilgeous-Alexander was held to 2 points on 1-of-2 shooting in the fourth quarter, as Denver executed coach Michael Malone’s plan to force the ball out of the NBA scoring leader’s hands.
“Just to give a different look,” said Jokic, who was 5-of-5 from the floor with a few assists in the fourth quarter as the Nuggets put the game away. “He’s definitely a top player in this league. He’s really talented. He’s so crafty. His midrange is really, really, really historical, I’m going to say. He’s a great player, so we try to make him take bad shots or just get rid of the ball.”
Denver’s defensive strategy was made simpler due to a hip strain suffered by Thunder All-Star forward Jalen Williams, who was sidelined for the second half.
Malone attempted to persuade Jokic to sit out Monday night to nurse his sore left ankle and the right elbow contusion he suffered Sunday, which impacted a subpar shooting outing (10-of-23 from the floor, 2-of-10 from 3-point range) by the big man in the loss. While making the case via text message, Malone mentioned to Jokic that he had played 39, 38, 44 and 41 minutes in the Nuggets’ previous four games.
“Hell no,” Jokic replied, making it clear that he planned to play.
“I think part of that was also we lost,” Malone said, “and he wanted to lead this team and find a way to come in here and get a win today.”
Jokic joked that he had another motive.
“Because if I don’t play then I’m going to work out with Felipe [Eichenberger, Denver’s strength and conditioning coach],” Jokic said after logging 40 minutes in the victory. “And that’s much harder than playing.”
Jokic instead delivered a performance as efficient as it was dominant. He was 15-of-20 from the floor, including an errant, one-handed heave from the backcourt just before the halftime buzzer. That was Jokic’s final miss of the night, as he made all eight of his field goal attempts in the second half despite significant soreness in his shooting elbow.
Malone didn’t pass up the opportunity to lobby on behalf of the face of Denver’s franchise.
“As we wind down this season, this whole MVP thing is really going to pick up,” Malone said. “You understand that; that’s a part of it. Obviously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a great player, and if he wins his first MVP, he’s deserving of that.
“My thing is this: If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs, and I put Player A and Player B on paper and you had no idea that the guy who was averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top three in the three major statistical categories, things that no one’s ever done, he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10. And if you don’t think so, I think you guys are all full of s—.”
The Nuggets’ win combined with the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss in Brooklyn bumped Denver (42-23) to second place in the West. Oklahoma City (53-12) still has an 11-game cushion.
Asked if team records would go alongside the statistics for Player A and Player B, Malone noted that the Nuggets were the West’s top seed in 2022-23. Jokic finished as the MVP runner-up to Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid that season, the only time he didn’t win the honor in the past four years.
“So, if you want to use that card, I’m all for it,” he said. “But the one year Nikola didn’t win it, we were the No. 1 seed in the West. But I’ll never negative recruit.
“Shai is not a good player, [he’s] a great player, and if he wins it, I’ll actually clap my hands and be happy for him because he’s such a great guy who’s a great player. He’s good for this game. So it’s not Nikola versus Shai. For me, it’s me promoting my guy because I know what he means to this game. When you look at it from a historical perspective, he’s doing things that no one’s ever done.”
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
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