The 2023 NBA Finals kick off Thursday night and as Game 1 approaches there is one fact that sticks out more than all the others—Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets are the heavy favorites to beat the Heat and win their first-ever title.
Denver entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the West and punched their ticket to the Finals with a sweep of LeBron James and the Lakers.
The Heat, the eighth seed in the East, had to play their way into the playoffs and then beat the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals to get this date with Denver.
Jokić was asked Wednesday about the Heat being underdogs in the series and the two-time NBA MVP had a very thoughtful take on it:
"I think in the Finals, there are no favorites."
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 31, 2023
Nikola Jokic in response to Denver being considered favorites against Miami pic.twitter.com/haFeq4CQYF
NBA fans loved it:
I just love the honesty of Jokic..! They all played well to be in the Final. 🫶🙏 brotha https://t.co/VT5zjSNHhC
— Eddison N Huynh (@eddieh1119) June 1, 2023
I agree with this 100%. Once you’re in the championship, all bets are off. https://t.co/L0xaFuppZT
— Dr. Dunk (@DrDunk5) May 31, 2023
Good answer https://t.co/xq7tYn4Hae
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) May 31, 2023
That's my Center Piontgard!!! #Jokic #BringItIn https://t.co/ynJqW9g5gM
— Bronco Sista Tiff (@atumnsonw) June 1, 2023
Simple answer honestly
— Cord Blaney (@Ordca3Cord) May 31, 2023
