Nuggets Superstar Nikola Jokic Leaves Shaquille O?Neal and Charles Barkley in Fits Moments After the Lakers Legend Touched Cloud Nine

The Ball Arena watched as Nikola Jokic was sensational once again. In his first-ever NBA Finals game, the Joker clocked his trademark triple-double, marking his ninth one this postseason. He rallied against the Denver Nuggets, stepping up as and when necessary. The two-time MVP seemed unbothered as he faced the Miami Heat with his unique, breathtaking abilities as a center.

After his remarkable performance, the Nuggets star sat down with Shaquille O’Neal and the crew to discuss the victory. In the middle of the conversation, a question was raised – just who did Jokic ‘patent’ his game after while growing up? His answer might shock many.

Nikola Jokic reveals his role model

As a center, the Nuggets’ leading man does everything a traditional center does and much more. The 27-year-old has graceful footwork, can impose his frame on fellow centers, and even set good picks after hard rebounds for his teammates to get open looks. But it’s his uncanny ability to thread passes that makes him a stand-out talent. Ever since coming into the NBA, he has flourished as a floor general, a skill rarely seen for a guy his size.

Sitting courtside, Shaquille O’Neal got the ticket to watch his mastery up close. Even though Shaq has always considered Jokic great, he couldn’t help but shower compliments after getting first-hand experience.

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“He’s the true definition of a great player. Not only does he make himself look good, he makes everybody else look good. And I don’t know if he is a pass-first or shoot-first big man, but he definitely plays the game the right way. And listen, he was super impressive to watch. This is the new age era of the big man. He can go inside, he can go outside, he can pass, he can start the break,” said O’Neal.

The Big Diesel got the opportunity to meet the man after another sublime performance of his in the 2023 playoffs. Former Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill wanted to know who Jokic modelled his game after. The Joker answered in a split second, but instead of solving the puzzle, he made Shaq, Charles Barkley and everyone else giggle.

“I think it’s Shaq,” said the five-time All-Star while immediately exploding into laughter himself!

Sarcastic or not, Shaquille O’Neal appreciated the comment. “That means a lot brother,” he said to the Joker.

Shaq and Nikola Jokic might have revolutionized the same position, yet their play style couldn’t be more different. The Los Angeles Lakers legend was a ruthless brute, dunking over defenders without any remorse. Yet he had a light touch around the rim, a skill he shares with Jokic. But the 2022 MVP is constantly looking to find guys, operating at the helm of the Denver offense.

His emergence is the pivotal switch the Nuggets needed to become title contenders. And now in just one game, he has instilled fear into the Miami Heat.

The Joker tore apart the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

It was Jokic’s first time on the stage of the Finals. But he wasn’t startled by the occasion. Instead, he played at his own pace, essentially winning the game in the first half itself. He launched for a ninth triple-double, sinking 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. His efficiency was average as he shot 66% from the field.

Jokic stayed silent and made plays for his teammates for the first three quarters, allowing them to jump into gear. Yet when shots didn’t fall and the Heat came close, he took charge. Off his 27, the Joker scored 12 in the fourth quarter, fending off Jimmy Butler and Miami’s attempt at a late comeback.

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Taking a 1-0 advantage, do you think Jokic is too skillful for the Heat? Let us know your views in the comments below!