Nikola Jokic dominated Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat for the Denver Nuggets. After the game, the Serb receives high praise from center legend Shaquille O’Neal.
“This boy is a great big man and I’m glad I got to see him live today,” Shaq said on NBA TV. “He lets the game come to him and doesn’t want to force anything. (…) That’s the definition of a great player. He not only shines himself, but also makes the others look good.
Jokic recorded 27 points (8/12 FG, 10/12 FT), 10 rebounds and 14 assists against the Heat in just over 40 minutes, in the fourth quarter the Joker finally took over the scoring with 12 points when the guests from South Beach once again started a run. The Serb then came to the set for an interview and was accepted into the “Big Man Alliance” by Shaq.
“I rarely give big men credit, but you deserve all the credit in this world, my brother,” the diesel said of the two-time MVP. “It is impressive to watch you. I salute you.” Jokic thanked him politely and later said with a smile that he used to always want to play like the former Los Angeles Lakers center.
Despite all the jokes, Jokic also got serious when asked about the matchup against Miami. “I’m not really nervous. I’m trying to stay focused because I know what the Heat are capable of. They’ve beaten really good teams. Teams that have had a lot more wins in the regular season. We as a team aren’t going to relax.”
At least there is now a two-day break for both teams before they continue in Denver on Monday night at 2 a.m. The victory kept the Nuggets clean in the ball arena and they have now won all nine games. Miami, on the other hand, lost the opening game of a series for the first time in these playoffs.
NBA Finals – Nuggets vs. Heat: The series at a glance
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2023-06-02 06:09:00
#Shaquille #ONeal #bows #Nikola #Jokic #Gala #Game #Finals
