By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic just became the first player in NBA Finals history to record a 30-20-10 game after dropping 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists in a 109-94 win over the Miami Heat to give his team a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Afterward, Jokic was asked about his statistical accomplishments. He brushed off the individual merits both times and noted how the team’s win carried far greater importance.
“To be honest, I just think it’s a win because if you lose, no one is going to even mention it,” Jokić said when asked about it in the press conference. “To be honest, I don’t care, it’s just a stat.”
Jokic wasn’t the only Denver player to have a huge night, as Jamal Murray dropped a 34-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Murray offered plenty of praise for his teammate postgame.
Nikola Jokic finished the first half with 10 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, and one steal. He became just the second player since LeBron James in 2017 to tally 10+ points and 10+ assists in the first half of the playoffs. James did it in his 42nd finals game while Jokic accomplished it in his debut.
Entering the fourth quarter, the two-time NBA MVP had 15 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds. He was 4-5 from the field, including 1-2 from deep and added six free throws.