Can ‘Joker’ Nikola Jokic (28-Serbia) bring the Denver Nuggets, founded in 1967, their first Larry O’Brien (championship) trophy?
Boston defeated Miami 104-103 in 안전놀이터 Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals (best-of-seven) on Sunday at the Amway Center in Miami, Florida, USA. Miami’s three-game winning streak was snapped, and the series is now tied 3-3. The two teams would have to go all out in Game 7.
Denver naturally has a smile on its face as the battle rages in the East. The Nuggets had just won the NBA Western Conference championship game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 23 and clinched the series early. With a physical advantage, the Nuggets are preparing for the final matchup by focusing on staying sharp.
The Nuggets don’t seem to care who they play. This season, the Nuggets have tied Miami twice and Boston once. The only difference is that if Miami makes it to the finals, they’ll be playing Game 1 at home, but if they face Boston, they’ll have to play Game 1 on the road.
Denver’s strength starts with Jokic. Jokic has continued his MVP-caliber play this season. In 15 Western Conference playoff games, Jokic has averaged 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game. The Lakers were unable to stop Jokic in the Western Conference Finals, going winless. Jokic averaged 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds and 11.8 assists in four games against the Lakers. He shot 47.1 percent from three-point range in the four games, including knocking down all three of his outside shots in Game 1, and averaged just 3.8 turnovers in the series while handing out double-digit assists. In the second round of the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns, he was even scarier. Jokic was on fire, averaging 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
Jokic had eight triple-doubles in the playoffs. That’s the most triple-doubles in a single playoff season in NBA history. The previous record was seven by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967. After leading the league in playoff triple-doubles, Jokic was named Western Conference MVP.
Now all that’s left for Jokic is a trophy. Only 12 players in NBA history have won back-to-back MVPs: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LeBron James (twice), Steph Curry, Yannis Atetokounmpo, and Jokic. Of these, only Steve Nash and Jokic have never won an NBA championship.
Denver also hasn’t won a championship since its inception. The NBA Finals will begin next month on March 2.