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![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Shaquille-ONeal-Nikola-Jokic-3.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
courtesy: imago
The dream of a city finally came true. Denver longed for an NBA championship for decades and tonight was the night their prayers were answered. Nikola Jokic and Co wrapped the series up after a dramatic Game 5. The Joker and the Denver Nuggets celebrated their historic win and joining the fiesta came Shaquille O’Neal.
The Los Angeles Lakers icon loves a celebration. But its sweeter when a fellow big man flourishes on the biggest stage in basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal celebrates Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets
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As the final whistle blew, the crowd at the Ball Arena erupted. The atmosphere was exhilarating as confetti covered the hardwood. The Nuggets wallowed in the feeling of their emphatic feat. After several trips getting close, Nikola Jokic reached the peak. Winning his first ever Finals MVP, he cemented himself as one of the best centers of this era. It was a playoff run that will surely be savored by the NBA for a long time.
One man who particularly relished Jokic’s run was Shaq. Dedicating an Instagram reel to the former 41st pick, the Big Diesel wrote, “Congratulations CHAMP.” This came just days after his son, Myles O’Neal, heavily ridiculed the Nuggets. Calling Jokic a “bag of milk”, the star model claimed that the Finals series was boring. What’s more, he felt even a win in the Finals wouldn’t urge fans to watch the Nuggets play.
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 12, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver awards the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) after the Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Championship against the Miami Heat at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
Regardless, the criticism hasn’t mattered to Denver in their journey as champs. In fact, it has been their fuel, the spark that lit their glorious run. Jokic led the way once again, scoring 28 points with incredible efficiency. Other small contributions in the clutch helped the Nuggets sink the Miami Heat. This might be the start of a reign.
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Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and the core are still young. Each proved to be valuable, making key pushes when needed. Now basking in the high of a championship, do you think the Joker has a dynasty written in his cards? Let us know your views in the comments below!
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