Nikola Jokic He is a player accustomed to excellence. The interior of the The Denver Nuggets repeat, over and over again, unusual games. He is the best, there is no doubt, in the world of basketball and before the Portland Trail Blazers (120-108 victory) set numbers never seen before in 40 years in the NBA. 27 points (11/16 in field goals, 1/1 in triples and 4/4 in free throws), 22 rebounds and 12 assists. Another border broken in a new triumph for the champions, who little by little fuel from victory to victory. They total 34, the same as the two leading teams in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. And no one can stop his star.
Jokic’s cartoon play against Portland
A statistical line is so special that few reach it. Jokic has six games in his career with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists, all the other active players… only add up to four. “We are seeing greatness. Think about what life was like before Nikola arrived here. People don’t think about that. And no. What he does is historic, amazing… He is a two-time MVP, world champion and Finals MVP. It’s the definition of greatness, because you don’t do it just to he. Also for the rest. We have the opportunity to continue seeing him. We have to appreciate it,” reflected Michael Malone, coach of the Nuggets.
It’s not normal, we are seeing greatness
Nikola Jokic
Legend numbers
They are not normal numbers, as Malone says. In history there are two names capable of making statistical lines of 27+22+12: in 1961 it was Elgin Baylor, legend of the Los Angeles Lakers. A player who was Jordan before Jordan existed. The best without ring. The other Wilt Chamberlain, who did it 12 times between 1963 and 1968. The 100-point player, black and white myth, and world prodigy of basketball.
Jokic, superior in the zone against Portland
The Blazers did not make it easy and in the last quarter they came to a standstill with minimal differences (92-88, 38′). The Serbian appeared under the rim to ensure the victory. Both asking Ayton to dance, and playing pick and roll with Jamal Murray. And finding a good Peyton Watson. The second-year forward finished with 14 points, which is welcome news. “It was the x factor,” Jokic said. And with Murray his connection continues to grow. The Canadian point guard had 13 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds. In their combined numbers with the Serbian, only two more couples have them in 40 years: Jason Kidd and Vince Carter (2007) and Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer (1985).
Smells like MVP
Jokic, of course, heads the MVP pools. Among Embiid’s injuries, only Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seem to be at his level. It would be a prize to further elevate his status. He would sign the third, equaling Moses Malone, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. And only legends would have more, among the six of the record man Abdul-Jabbar, the five of Bill Russell and Michael Jordan and four of Wilt and LeBron James. There would be little left for the Serbian.
Jokic, with the ball in his hands.LAPRESSE
Although group success is always preferable. The champions are well placed, with the same wins – and only one defeat – as the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-15) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-15). They are also surpassed by the Clippers (32-15) by percentage. In the case of ‘OKC’ they have gone from surprise to revelation and are great competitors against the most important (6-3 every time they meet with Nuggets, Clippers, Knicks, Wolves and Celtics). While Minnesota lost its head by falling by the minimum (106-108) with the Magic.
2024-02-03 07:54:50
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