Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic’s insane NBA playoffs run has continued after the Serbian superstar scored yet another triple-double in his side’s 104-93 win in game one of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.
Jokic, who had just three shot attempts in the first half — and made all of them — would end up leading the Nuggets with 27 points, adding 10 rebounds and 14 assists in his 15th playoff triple double — his ninth of this post-season.
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Jokic already holds the NBA record for the most triple-doubles in a single playoff run, with the Serbian’s count of nine this year already two ahead of Wilt Chamberlain’s mark set in 1966-67, but has the opportunity to break the record for the most triple-doubles in a single NBA Finals, with 10 other players having recorded two in a series previously.
Not only that, Jokic is in rare air as he could become the only player besides Tim Duncan since 1974 to lead their team in points, rebounds, assists and blocks entering the NBA Finals.
Compared to the Spurs legend ahead of a Game 1 performance, Jokic said he looked up to the “Big Fundamental”.
“Probably he’s one of the best power forward players to play the game,” he said.
“He did with such ease.
“I remember when he played against me, he was a little bit older, but he still gave me the easiest 20 points ever in life probably. He always had a counter, but he was so patient.
“I think he’s a great player to look up to, to model your game to him.”
Despite the comparisons, the Denver Nuggets star wasn’t about to start forcing things on the biggest stage of all.
“I think that’s the beauty of Nikola,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after the win.
“I learned a long time ago the defence tells you what to do, and Nikola never forces it.”
The Serbian star, who won league MVP honours in 2021 and 2022 but didn’t make it to the Finals until this season, didn’t attempt his first basket until the waning seconds of the first quarter.
But he had 10 assists by halftime as Denver took control early against a Heat team that had won the opening game on the road in each of the previous three rounds.
“If they’re going to give him that kind of attention … he’s going to just pick you apart,” Malone said of Jokic, who kicked out to a teammate for an open three-pointer twice in the first half when the Heat had him covered in the post.
“Nikola never tries to impose his will or force things that aren’t there. He’s going to read the game. He’s going to make the right play.
“Most importantly he’s going to make every one of his teammates better.”
Teammate Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists as five Denver players scored in double figures.
“One thing about Nikola is he takes great satisfaction in making plays for others,” Malone said. “He really does. I think he takes more joy in that.
“I don’t think he cares if he scored 27 points or not. He cares that we’re up 1-0.”
On the other side of the equation, Jimmy Butler, who had been so important all playoffs for the Heat, scored just 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Bam Adebayo lead the Heat with 26 points, 13 rebounds, while Gabe Vincent had 19 points.