Despite a Defeat in NBA Finals, Nikola Jokic Joins the History Books Alongside LeBron James and Larry Bird

Nikola Jokic continues to make light work of NBA records. His all-around grasp of the floor makes him a match-up nightmare. He has the ball on the string, he can operate from various areas and his court vision is unmatched. Almost seven-feet tall, the center has broken the limits of what a big man can do. During the current Playoffs, he has been posting video-game-like numbers and has landed his team in the NBA Finals. The Denver centerpiece is seemingly building a Hall-of-Fame resume.

Despite a late-game implosion of his squad in Game 2 against the Miami Heat, the Nuggets’ superstar created another record. A type of milestone that makes him figure among the greats of the league, such as Larry Bird, LeBron James, and Jerry West.

Jokic ventures into record books

The center is averaging a triple-double for the Playoffs with 30.4 Points, 12.9 Rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game. These numbers make mouths drop in amazement and Jokic has already become the greatest Nuggets player for his heroics. Jokic put up 41 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in the loss to the Heat. The assists count in Finals Game 2 was the lowest for him during the Playoffs, indicating the high standards he has set. However, this didn’t stop him from entering the record books.

Because of the Game 2 performance, he has now become just the sixth NBA player to post 500+ points and 150+ assists in a single postseason. Celtics’ All-Time Great Larry Bird also figures in the list, which is not a surprise at all. Another non-surpriser is LeBron James. The Herculean Wing has accomplished this feat six times in the Playoffs and that further cements his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. The 28-year-old Serbian center is on a pathway toward a similar legacy, but he has a long way to go to catch up to the Akron Hammer. Nikola Jokic’s rise to the NBA stardom highlights the elite level of basketball played in Europe.

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The inspiring journey of Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic took birth when Eastern Europe was in turmoil and separatist movements were at their peak. When Jokic was growing up, he had to live in a congested two-bedroom apartment along with his two brothers, grandparents, and parents. 

Jokic’s deep bonds with his brothers have been well-documented. He has had to go through immense struggles to reach where he is and he hasn’t stopped yet. Earlier, he revealed that he couldn’t watch the live NBA games, so he had to rely on YouTube for his NBA fix. The incredible Center has been shattering records but behind it, there have been a lot of hardships and stories that can touch one’s heart. 

But for now, he has his heart set on the NBA Finals where the series is knotted at one apiece. Will the Serbian Great overcome Jimmy Butler and Co. to lift a historic NBA title?

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