Nikola Jokic

SOURCE SPORTS: Nuggets’ Size, Jokic’s Triple Double Too Much for Heat in NBA Finals Game 1

by
Nuggets' Size, Jokic's Triple Double Too Much for Heat in Game 1

The Denver Nuggets entered Game 1 of the NBA Finals and did what they have done all season, protect their home court. In their first Finals game ever, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murry led their team to a 104-93 victory over Jimmy Butler and the Miami HEAT.

The game started with force as Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon overpowered smaller defenders of the HEAT for eight points in the first quarter and set the pace for a wire-to-wire win.

Jokic had 27 points, 14 assists, and ten rebounds, adding another triple-double to his playoffs run. Jamal Murray added 26 points and ten assists. Michael Porter Jr. scored 14 and added 13 rebounds.

For the HEAT, Bam Adebayo gave a monster performance of 26 points and 13 rebounds. HEAT star Jimmy Butler only had 13 points on 6-for-14 shooting from the field. More alarming for the HEAT was their lack of free throws, only getting to the line twice. Butler spoke on free throws and additional offensive woes after the game.

“Probably because we shot a lot of jump shots, myself probably leading that pack, instead of putting pressure on the rim,” Butler said.. “Getting layups, getting to the free throw line. When you look at it during the game, they all look like the right shots.

“And I’m not saying that we can’t as a team make those, but got to get more layups, got to get more free throws. And whenever you miss and don’t get back, the game gets out of hand kind of quickly. We gave up too many layups, which we also can’t have happen. But that’s it as a whole. We’ve got to attack the rim a lot more, myself included.”

On the other end of the ball, Nuggets coach Mike Malone spoke about his star player, Nikola Jokic.

“I learned a long time ago, the defense tells you what to do, and Nikola never forces it,” Malone said. “If they’re going to give him that kind of attention, he had 10 assists at halftime. Well, he’s going to just pick you apart.”

The HEAT will now attempt to recover and get a win during Game 2 this Sunday.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Nuggets’ Size, Jokic’s Triple Double Too Much for Heat in NBA Finals Game 1 appeared first on The Source.

Nikola Jokić Leads Denver Nuggets To First NBA Finals In History, Beating The Lakers

by

For the first time in NBA history, the Denver Nuggets are heading to the NBA Finals. While this is a huge disappointment for fans of LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, it was by no means a blowout win. In fact, records shattered left and right as Nikola Jokić and the rest of the Colorado team nabbed 113 points against the Lakers’ 111. For example, for 50 years, Wilt Chamberlain held the title of the player with the most triple-doubles in a single playoff. Until Game 4 of the 2023 Western Conference Finals, that is, as the Joker gained his eighth triple-double (and counting) in the postseason.

Elsewhere, James reached a career-high 31 points in the first half, as his teammates tried to match the energy and keep the Nuggets at bay. As far as that team, Jamal Murray scored 25 points and Aaron Gordon got 22, resulting in one of his best showings. Overall, it was an incredibly tight game with a lot of make-or-break moments, even if skeptics might think different from the 4-0 series sweep. Considering what was at stake for both teams, the showdown’s conclusion couldn’t have been more fitting- or earned.

Read More: Shannon Sharpe Reveals His Thoughts On LeBron’s Lakers Legacy

The Nuggets Beat The Lakers

With that in mind, now fans, commentators, and NBA experts look to the Eastern Conference Finals, where a similar situation is at hand. The Miami Heat are currently up 3-0 against the Boston Celtics as of writing this article, with the play-in team looking to sweep a team with one of the best records in the whole season. It’s been a tense few games, made even more personal when Jimmy Butler of the Heat taunted Celtics players Al Horford and Grant Williams as the Massachusetts team took a loss in Game 3. Still, the series has made for great displays of prowess and determination from both sides.

Meanwhile, the East’s Game 4 will take place on Tuesday (May 23) at 8:30 p.m., and we’ll see how it differs from the West’s endgame. Regardless of who wins, the Denver Nuggets unsurprisingly set themselves up as a true force for the NBA Finals. We’re sure a lot of discourse will follow in the coming days before we get back to more nail-biters in the league’s post-season. For more news and the latest updates on the NBA, stay up to date on HNHH.

Read More: Nikola Jokic Becomes Highest-Paid Player In League History: Details

[via]

SOURCE SPORTS: Nuggets Outlast Lakers 132-126 in Game 1 of West Finals

by
FwTLnWVaMAEf8Bp

The Los Angeles Lakers were staring down a 20-point lead and an onslaught from Nikola Jokic late in the 3rd quarter. A raucous fourth-quarter comeback attempt made Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and the rest of the series, a must-see as the LakeShow seemed to figure out a strategy but just fell short, 132-126.

Jokic had 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Yes, that’s a real stat line. And Jamal Murray added 31 points to lead the Nuggets. Anthony Davis responded with 40 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. LeBron James added 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, but missed a game-tying 3-pointer late in the game.

As James headed into the tunnel in Denver after the game, he could be seen dropping his head back and saying, “Oh My God.”

But the Lakers appeared to find a new strategy for tackling Jokic late. Switching forward Rui Hachimura onto Jokic allowed Davis to roam the paint and also come over for help, slowing the Denver offense down and allowing the Lakers to claw back in the game.

“You have to switch up matchups at times and you have to switch up coverages,” Ham said. “Gave us a chance to get back into the game.”

The Lakers will now turn their attention to Game 2 when they return to the high altitude of Ball Arena and try to steal a game on the road.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Nuggets Outlast Lakers 132-126 in Game 1 of West Finals appeared first on The Source.

Mark Jackson Apologizes For Jokić MVP Snub

by

MVP voting is always controversial. With limited spots on the ballots, some players are bound to be left off despite having a strong claim to the title. However, to say that Nikola Jokić was not deserving of the MVP title in 2023 at all is certainly a take.

Jokić put up an average of 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in 69 regular-season games this season. While that is a significant dip in some categories from his MVP season last year, it’s still a fantastic season. He may have been 18th in scoring, but he was top-three in both rebounds and assists. However, that wasn’t good enough for former coach and broadcaster Mark Jackson, who left Jokić off his MVP ballot.

Jackson Apologizes, Calling Jokić Snub An “Honest Mistake”

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 19: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors shouts instructions in the game with the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Jackson, who coached the Warriors between 2011 and 2014, had his ballot revealed along with all other voters on Thursday. His ballot featured Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Donovan Mitchell. Jackson claims that he simply forgot about Jokić when filling out his ballot. “One thing I live by, you make a mistake, you own it,” Jackson said in an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio’s Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson. “Absolute mistake made by me… In thinking how did I make that mistake: you can tell I put one center, two forwards and two guards. So I wasn’t even thinking.”

However, he quickly went on to apologize for the bizarre snub. “I apologize to the Denver Nuggets. I apologize to Nikola Jokić, who is not only in the MVP discussion and deserved to be on my ballot but he is one of the greatest players in the history of this game and a top-10 center of all time. So I own it. If you want to take away my vote or do whatever, more than welcome. I made a mistake.” While it’s nice that Jackson apologized, it’s still a bizarre snub. He remembered Gilgeous-Alexander and Mitchell but completely forgot about the star player on the #1 team in the Conference he used to coach in. Do you believe Jackson? Or do you think he’s not telling the truth about why Jokić was left off his ballot? Let us know in the comments.

[via]

SOURCE SPORTS: Denver Nuggets Close Out Phoenix Suns Behind Another Jokic Triple-Double

by
Fv5rNOfakAAIvas

The Denver Nuggets left no doubt in the result of Game 6 of their Western Conference SemiFinals matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokic and the team opened a large lead on the Suns early and used that to cruise to the Western Conference Finals. The final score was 125-100, and the series concluded at 4-2.

“We weren’t satisfied winning the first round,” Denver head coach Michael Malone said. “We’re not satisfied now. We’re not celebrating and popping champagne and throwing water over each other because our goal wasn’t to get to the Western Conference finals. I keep saying our goal is to win a championship, so we have much more work to do.”

The Nuggets now wait for the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals, which is set to begin in their home arena on Tuesday.

For the Suns, the run ends a season with championship aspirations, especially after the team brought in Kevin Durant midseason. Instead, the team was plagued by injuries to Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, and a shallow bench that could not support the heavy-lifting efforts of Devin Booker and Durant.

Speaking after the game, Durant said the result “sucked” and was “embarrassing.”

Jokic finished the game with another triple-double, scoring 32 points and adding 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Jamal Murry added 26 points. Kevin Durant had 23 points, and Booker added 12.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Denver Nuggets Close Out Phoenix Suns Behind Another Jokic Triple-Double appeared first on The Source.

Nikola Jokic Gets Tech For Shoving Suns Owner Mat Ishbia

by

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul on Sunday night for making content with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The bizarre incident occurred as Josh Okogie crashed into the courtside seats where Ishbia was sitting. Ishbia ended up with the basketball in his hands. When Jokic tried to rush over and grab it, the ball went flying into the stands and he shoved Ishbia while trying to get it. Ishbia told The Associated Press that he was “fine” at halftime.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said it was “crazy” that refs gave Jokic a technical foul in that situation. “Going to get the ball, and some fan is holding onto the ball who wants be a part of the game. Just give the ball up, man,” Malone said. As for whether he cares that the fan was Ishbia, Malone remarked, “I don’t give a shit.” It’s unclear whether the league will suspend Jokic for the incident.

Nikola Jokic Shoves Mat Ishbia

PHOENIX, AZ – MAY 7: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets rushes to retrieve the game ball as Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia inserts himself into the action by clutching the ball as he helps Josh Okogie (2) to his feet after Okogie flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Jokic also commented on the incident after the game. “He told me I was elbowing the fan, but the fan put his hands on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us. But maybe I’m wrong,” he told reporters.

Ishbia purchased a controlling 57% stake in the Suns from Robert Sarver for $2.28 billion a few months ago. Many fans on Twitter argued that Ishbia flopped when Jokic touched him courtside. “Ishbia knew exactly what he was doing by holding up the fastbreak by holding the ball and mixing it up,” one tweeted. “The NBA shouldn’t encourage that garbage. Back in the day they told Cuban to knock it off.”

Jokic finished the game with a game-high 53 points but it wasn’t enough to get his team the win. The Suns took Game 4 by a score of 129-124. The series is now tied 2-2 and the teams will face off in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.

Nikola Jokic’s Incident With Mat Ishbia

[Via]

DeMarcus Cousins Signs With Puerto Rican Basketball League

by

DeMarcus Cousins isn’t finished with his playing career. The former NBA big man has decided to take his talents to Puerto Rico. Cousins has signed with the Guaynabo Mets of the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League. Cousins’ last appearance in the NBA came in the 2021-22 season with the Denver Nuggets. In his time in Denver, Cousins played in 31 games, 8 points, and 5 rebounds. On Monday, Cousins made waves with his statement on former Nuggets teammate Nikola Jokic.

During a sit down with Kevin Garnett on SHOWTIME Basketball, Cousins gave his opinion on who is the NBA MVP. The former Sacramento Kings star felt one player, in particular, doesn’t deserve the award. That one player being the back-to-back winner of the award, Jokic. Cousins is of the belief that Jokic can’t win three MVP awards without winning a championship. Definitely a strong take on a talented player. But it is true, Jokic is still chasing that elusive championship.

DeMarcus Cousins Continues Playing Career

Cousins still feels like he can go. Also, Cousins feels he can still contribute to an NBA team. The former Kentucky Wildcat is certain he can still play at the highest level. Cousins has been a dominant force in the past. However, injuries have plagued the last few years of his career. The big man hasn’t played over 60 games in an NBA season since 2016-17. Many teams believe Cousins to be a liability with his injury history. But the talent is still there. Now it’s time to see him in action once again. Which could be the reasoning for his latest move.

DeMarcus Cousins has the mindset that every athlete should have. Cousins has the heart of a competitor. Maybe a stint in Puerto Rico will show teams around the NBA that he still has the talent. Do you believe we will see Cousins back in the NBA? If so, where would be the best landing spot for the former lottery pick? Please give us your predictions on Cousins’ future in the comment section. For the latest news involving the NBA, keep it locked in right here at HNHH.

[Via]

DeMarcus Cousins Takes Shot At Nikola Jokic: Video

by

DeMarcus recently was a host on SHOWTIME Basketball. During his appearance with Kevin Garnett, the two discussed Nikola Jokic. Jokic is the reigning back-to-back winner of the NBA MVP Award. There have been a lot of heated discussions about the MVP Award this season. Many believe that it is finally time to crown Joel Embiid with the prestigious award. However, other’s believe that Jokic could earn the award for a third straight time. For Cousins, he isn’t sure the time is right for Jokic to earn the award.

“He hasn’t won anything. He hasn’t been to a final.” That was the biggest statement to come from the Cousins interview. However, the former NBA star didn’t completely rule out Jokic winning the award again. But he did say that at this point in his career, Jokic isn’t deserving of the award. Both of the NBA MVP Award frontrunners are ringless. Jokic being the only one of the two to compete in a Conference Final. But both have a great opportunity to erase that stigma from their careers this postseason.

DeMarcus Cousins Believes A New Player Will Win The MVP

The body of work has already been put in for the NBA MVP Award. Many were ready to hand Embiid the award last week after a dominating performance over the Celtics. However, it does feel as if the winner could be a toss-up between Embiid and Jokic. Even Giannis could receive some votes for the award. However, it does feel like the award is trending toward Embiid’s to lose. The debate has been fierce, with great points from both camps.

The NBA MVP Award will always be a hot discussion topic. The award means so much to so many people. However, Embiid isn’t worried about winning the award. He recently mentioned that he has done everything he can to win the award. If he is chosen great, if not, on to the next one. An NBA Finals featuring the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers would be one of the biggest matchups in recent times. Maybe it would be the true deciding factor on who the better player has been this season. Do you agree with DeMarcus Cousins Let us know in the comment sections. For more news on the latest involving the MVP Award, keep it right here at HNHH.

Joel Embiid Comments On MVP Race

by

Joel Embiid has had an excellent 2022-23 season. The Sixers star has been in the conversations for the MVP award for the past few seasons. However, Embiid has watched Nuggets star Nikola Jokic bring home the award for two straight years. The Jokic-Embiid debate has been a hot argument this season. Many believe that the league shouldn’t award a player the award for three consecutive seasons. For Embiid, it doesn’t really matter.

When speaking on the award, Embiid had this to say: “I’m just focused on trying to win a championship and whatever happens, happens. If [I] win, great. If I don’t win anything, I don’t care.” Embiid isn’t necessarily worried about individual awards. His performance on the floor speaks for itself. It also helps put his team in a great position to win the NBA Championship. The Sixers will be a strong candidate to be NBA title contenders. With Embiid and James Harden, the Sixers duo could walk through the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid Is More Worried About A NBA Title

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks on the court before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the 76ers 125-105. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Embiid’s numbers have been staggering this season. Although, not that far off from his career averages. This season, Embiid is averaging 33 points per game, along with 10 rebounds and four assists. Anyone that averages a double-double is having a great season. However, averaging a double-double while scoring over 30 points a game is MVP-worthy. Individual awards may not be as important to someone like Embiid. But, Embiid still deserves recognition for an incredible season. Embiid has earned the right to be considered league MVP.

Individual awards have taken a back seat in recent years in all sports. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to win a championship. But that shouldn’t diminish the incredible seasons had by these athletes. By saying awards like the MVP are less important, it is a crime to the athletes playing the games. Being recognized as one of the best players of your era is an incredible achievement. Do you feel that individual awards don’t feel as important as they used to? Should Embiid be the MVP this season? If not Embiid, then who? Let us know in the comment section below who your MVP would be. For the latest updates on MVP conversations and the NBA, stay right here with HNHH.

[Via]

Nikola Jokic Sneak Disses Kendrick Perkins

by

Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the entire NBA right now. Overall, he has won two-straight MVP awards and he is looking to get a third. In the eyes of many, he is the best player in the NBA. Although, there are a lot of people who are still skeptical of his talents. At the end of the day, he has not experienced a ton of playoff success. However, he has a chance to change that this year as the Nuggets are currently first in the Western Conference. They will be in tough against the Suns, although they have a great chance to surprise some people.

At this stage of his career, Jokic has proven to be a triple-double machine. He is great at making passes and facilitating so that his teammates get good shots. Unfortunately, his ability to rack up stats has led to some pretty ridiculous criticism from Kendrick Perkins. A few days ago on First Take, Perkins made the outrageous claim that Jokic was purposely stat-padding. Overall, fans could not believe this assertion. Even Stephen A. Smith was flabbergasted, as was JJ Redick who recently got to respond to Perk.

Nikola Jokic Has Jokes

Last night, the Nuggets won another game and Jokic captured yet another triple-double. Interestingly enough, this was the 100th triple-double of Jokic’s career. According to Clutch Points, a reporter decided to ask Jokic about his latest achievement. However, instead of giving a real answer, Nikola Jokic made sure to rub it in the face of Kendrick Perkins. “When you’re stat padding it’s easy, you know,” Jokic said. Clearly, the Nuggets center pays attention to what is being said about him.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Jokic closes out the year. His Nuggets are going to try and sure up that number one seed, while he looks to get another MVP award. However, if he wins his third MVP and the Nuggets don’t get to the Finals, it is going to look a bit funny in the light. Let us know what you think of Jokic’s response to Perkins, in the comments section down below.

Kendrick Perkins’ Comments

[Via]