The Denver Nuggets have finally done it. After 47 long years, they can call themselves champions. While all rings count, some definitely weigh heavier than the rest. And for Denver, this ring is invaluable. A postseason run that saw them go through Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, LeBron James Anthony Davis, and Jimmy Butler, was marked by one man – Nikola Jokic. The 2-time-MVP put up some un-human numbers enroute to his first ring and Finals MVP. However, this was a team ring. As visible throughout, the Nuggets built a tough, deep team where each part played its role to perfection.
Jamal Murray was ‘mercurial’ – as Stephen A. Smith puts it – in the Conference Finals and especially in 4th quarters, with several last quarter point doubles throughout the postseason. The other role players proved their reliability and could have almost won the critical Finals Game 4 on their own. Savor this one, Denver. You deserve every moment. As joyous and emotional scenes unfold for the team, the NBA world made sure to send the Nuggets love – especially for Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic is on an all-time run and NBA fans love it
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While the sum of their parts was greater than the whole for the Nuggets, one man defined this run. In the 76 years of the NBA’s existence, Nikola Jokic became the first player to lead the entire playoffs in points, rebounds and assists.
His all-around spectacular play was in plain view in the pivotal Game 5 as well, as he logged in 28 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. But this season was just another feather in his cap. He’s been dominating the league for 3 years now.
Congrats to the Joker and the @nuggets on a franchise-first NBA Championship. pic.twitter.com/Bp81FtWFEE
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) June 13, 2023
The list of players to win 2 MVPs and a championship over a 3-year period is very short. Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. And now, Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets were the favorites coming into the series. However, the entire NBA world drew its breath when Miami rallied a Game 2 win – a feat not accomplished by most of the game’s greats. However, the inkling of doubt persisted, as it has been throughout Miami’s run.
On the other hand, a team effort and continued brilliance from the Joker catapulted the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship, and the stars were stunned.
The game’s greats came out to celebrate
First, it was Magic Johnson doing his journalistic best to put a bow on their championship run.
Congratulations to Nuggets superstars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, every individual Nuggets player, the entire city and the Denver fan base!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 13, 2023
Later, Magic sent a personal message to Jokic himself for his spectacular play throughout the playoffs.
Congratulations to NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic!! 600 points, 269 rebounds and 190 assists in the Playoffs? The first in NBA history to lead the Playoffs in all 3?🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 13, 2023
Fellow European superstar Luka Doncic joined in on the celebration, as he shared a photo of Jokic celebrating with his family. 6-time NBA Champ Scottie Pippen also joined in on the celebrations, congratulating the team for their success.
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Joining in on the celebration was president Barack Obama.
Congrats to the Denver @Nuggets and the remarkable finals MVP Nikola Jokić for bringing home the franchise’s first NBA Championship!
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 13, 2023
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Meanwhile, Sportscenter shared a viral picture of the emotions pouring out from the two Nuggets star players.
Look what it means to Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic 👏 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/SPnybdJv4A
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 13, 2023
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Congratulations, Denver! Well done indeed!
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