By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA playoff history to record a 20+ rebound triple-double in a Game 7 with his 16 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists and Denver advanced to the Western Conference Finals to face the Lakers.
“Whatever we do, I’m gonna remember this team. … I’m going to remember every single one [of the players] because this is a special crew,” Jokic told reporters post-game. “Nobody wants us here. Nobody thinks that we can do something. We proved to ourselves and proved to everybody that we can do something.”
The Nuggets celebrated coach Mike Malone’s birthday in the best way possible, and Jokic admitted he promised him a present.
“Before the game, I told him, ‘Coach, I’m going to give you a really good present — I’m going to get you home or I’m going to get you to the conference finals,” the Nuggets big man said.
Jokic then talked about the upcoming finals vs. the Lakers, stating that he and his squad aren’t going to give it much thought. “We’re not gonna go in there and think about them. It’s gonna be a long night for us. We just need to go out there with effort, and having fun. It’s simple for us” he added.