By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Advancing to the next round of the NBA Playoffs, the Golden State Warriors eliminated the Denver Nuggets with a 102-98 victory in Game 5 Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic scored 12 points in the last 3:46 but was not enough to extend the best-of-seven series to Game 6. The Serbian superstar completed his 2021-22 campaign packing 30 points, 19 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal over 32 minutes.
“That guy is a warrior. I just don’t understand the people that find a way to criticize Nikola Jokic. Is he perfect? No, I’m not saying he is,” described head coach Michael Malone, “But the guy is the definition of a warrior, competitive, consistent. He impacts the game in so many ways. Hell of a season. Hopefully, he’ll win the MVP again. I think rightfully he deserves it.”
Slovenian Vlatko Cancar did not log playing time. He had five points, two rebounds, and one assists over nine minutes in a couple of appearances in the series. He will become a restricted free agent during the offseason.
In the second round of the Playoffs, the Warriors will collide with the Memphis Grizzlies or Minnesota Timberwolves in a new best-of-seven series. In a 30-point effort in Game 5, Stephen Curry tallied 11 points as his side rallied to the win in the fourth quarter and a clutch bucket with 29.9 seconds left. Serbian Nemanja Bjelica stayed on the bench.
Earlier, the Milwaukee Bucks eliminated the Chicago Bulls in five games to move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals series opposite the Boston Celtics.
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