Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic made NBA history in Game 3 of the 2023 Finals against the Miami Heat on June 7. The two-time MVP became the first player to have at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a Finals game.
When Lisa Salters of ESPN told Jokic about his accomplishment, the All-Star had a surprising response.
“You are the first person in NBA History to have a 30-20-10 NBA Finals game. What does that mean to you?”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 8, 2023
Nikola Jokic: “I mean to be honest, not much…I’m just glad we won the game .”
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“To be honest, I just think it’s a win because if you lose, nobody is going to even mention — even to be honest, I don’t care,” Jokic said. “It’s just a stat.”
Jokic only cares about winning. That’s why Nuggets fans love him. Thanks to Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray — who also had a triple-double in Game 3 — Denver is two wins away from winning its first championship in franchise history.
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets & Miami Heat Updates
“I mean, we win,” Jokic said. “I think it’s pretty simple. But he’s playing phenomenal, I think, the whole playoff. We’re just following him, like I said, and he’s a really good leader. His energy is amazing, and we are just following. … I mean, I think it’s just respect of each other and relationship over the years and communication, and I think — but it’s not just us. I’m always saying yes, we had good games, but Christian Braun had amazing game, Bruce had a really good game, Jeff played really well, AG played really good.
“It’s not just us, it’s the team, and like I said even before the series started, Denver Nuggets need to beat Miami, not me and Jamal and whoever is on the other side. We as a group need to beat them.”
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets & Miami Heat Updates
The Nuggets can take a commanding 3-1 lead in the Finals by winning Game 4, which is on Friday, June 9.
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