2023-06-13 05:08:02
DENVER (AP) — There are no more holes in Nikola Jokic’s impressive career.
The all-powerful center commanded the postseason, smashing a 56-year-old postseason record with 10 triple-doubles to complete a momentous two-month stretch. He led the Nuggets to a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday in a gritty Game 5 and confirmed the franchise’s first title that he started in the ABA.
Jokic had 28 points, 16 rebounds and four assists in the biggest game that came 55 years, seven months and 28 days following the Nuggets won the first game in franchise history. Denver struggled to score once morest a fastidious Heat, missing 23 of 28 3-pointers and 10 of 23 free throws.
“It was ugly and we mightn’t get the ball in. But in the end we found the way, ”Jokic acknowledged following hugging his excited teammates and coaches. “I’m just happy that we won the game.”
Jokic finally let go as he greeted his two older brothers, Nemanja and Strahinja, as well as his wife and daughter in the stands.
Jokic gave up the season MVP award to Joel Embiid even though he was even more dominant than in his previous two seasons, when he easily clinched the award.
But he ended up taking the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award following becoming the first player in league history to lead in points, rebounds and assists in the postseason.
Jokic smiled sheepishly as he held the MVP trophy in his right hand and his daughter, Ognjena in the other.
In the postseason, Jokic dominated his opponents with a series of spectacular shots from short and long range, incredible assists and powerful rebounding on both sides.
When he wasn’t on the floor, he was the biggest fan, jubilant when his team held off the Heat in Game 4. He showed his emotions Monday in a third-quarter timeout when the team trailed 64- 60.
Asked what it’s like to finally be champion, Jokic simply said: “It’s good. It’s good. We did the job. We can go home.”
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