Despite the Timberwolves initially holding a strong lead during the ongoing Semifinals, the Nuggets successfully got the better of them by recording three consecutive wins in a row. Therefore, tensions were expected to be high between the two franchises in the recently held Game 6. But that didn’t stop the Nuggets’ lead scorer and Tournament MVP, Nikola Jokic, from displaying a certain level of compassion and sportsmanship.

During the matchup, Anthony Edwards left the attendees at the Target Center in a state of concern. While attempting to make a layup, the player accidentally lost his balance and ended up landing flat on his back. With head coach Chris Finch displaying a worrisome look, the rest of the Timberwolves roster soon gathered around the 22-year-old to support him. While the rest of the Nuggets players stood behind, Nikola Jokic approached Ant-Man as he belly. He stayed there for a few seconds before retreating back.

This small display of affection was enough for Nikola Jokic to receive a lot of positive encouragement from fans online.

Fans cancel the ‘villainous’ image that Nikola Jokic has been given

After a clip of the moment went viral on social media, a user wrote the gesture made him “like” Jokic.

With the Nuggets and the Timberwolves being neck-to-neck during this series, it would have made sense for fans not to show any affection for the rivals.

Another user appreciated the “respect” the players from both teams seemed to possess towards each other. Despite highlighting himself as a Nuggets fan, he revealed he wouldn’t mind having the Timberwolves in the Conference Finals if his team can’t make it! In fact, he would be glad that Anthony Edwards and Co would be in that position instead of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers came head-to-head during the first round of the playoffs. Before the series, the defending champions had an 11-5 win record against LeBron James and Co. Therefore, it would not have been a good feeling for Nuggets fans if the Lakers had managed to get the better of their favorite team. Fortunately for them, it did not go that way.

A basketball fan praised the Serbian player’s effort, highlighting his kindness as something that stems from his inner character. While sending out his flowers, he also raised the question of why Jokic is often subjected to so much hate.

Just like any NBA player of the modern or the previous generation, Nikola Jokic is someone who is often hated by fans and/or even some analysts. Just days ago, Rob Parker highlighted how, after winning the MVP title last year, the Nuggets star was reportedly criticized by former player Kendrick Perkins for being a ‘stat-stuffer’.

One individual liked the fact that a fellow NBA player was checking in on his rival. However, he didn’t like that Jokic was allegedly being told by Edwards’ teammates to “go away.”

During the matchup or even in its aftermath, there was no confirmation that Timberwolves players had attempted to make Nikola Jokic get away from Anthony Edwards. However, in the video captured by onlookers in the arena, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley Jr. could be seen saying something to the three-time MVP. The latter chose to immediately step back after that exchange of words.

Overall, people on social media were appreciative of Nikola Jokic’s attempt to be supportive. As of now, neither player has chosen to speak out on the incident.

With Game 7 set to occur within the next few hours, Anthony Edwards has confirmed that he is “feeling good. Ready to get the game started.” Knowing that the game will be the ultimate decider on who will take on the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Finals, both Jokic and Edwards will put their best foot forward.