Those that tuned into Game 1 of the Western Conference finals between the Nuggets and the Lakers were treated to an absolutely spectacular performance by Nikola Jokić. The two-time MVP center dazzled on perhaps the biggest stage of his career thus far, capturing the attention of a national audience in Denver’s 132–126 win.
Not only did Jokić receive widespread praise from basketball fans around the world on Tuesday night, but he also earned his flowers from some of his peers.
Jokić finished Tuesday night’s win with a stuffed stat sheet, complete with 34 points on 12-of-17 shooting, 21 rebounds and 14 assists—all of which were team-highs. His stellar showing quickly made an impression on fellow NBA stars such as Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, who took to Twitter along with other players to recognize the greatness of this year’s MVP runner-up.
Nadkarni: What Game 1 of Lakers-Nuggets Tells Us About the Rest of the Series
Damn Jokic😂😂
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) May 17, 2023
34/21/14 As A Center And He Ain’t The MVP?????? Lol 😂 JOKIC DIFFERENT 🔥
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) May 17, 2023
Joker is ridiculous
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) May 17, 2023
I thought people were saying Jokic wasn’t going to do that to the Lakers… interesting 🤔
— Jock Landale (@LandaleJock) May 17, 2023
The Game 1 performance against the Lakers was more of the same for Jokić this postseason. In 12 games so far this playoffs, the 28-year-old is averaging a triple-double (31.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 10.1 assists) while shooting 55.9% from the field and 51.2% from beyond the arc.
Jokić’s output has allowed the Nuggets to be particularly effective as a team on offense, as was the case on Tuesday. If the star center can keep this up as the series against the Lakers continues, Denver should feel good about its chances to punch a ticket to this year’s NBA Finals.
