Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic joked that he wanted to punch guard Bruce Brown during Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat on June 9 in South Beach.
Brown took a step-back 3-pointer that Jokic didn’t like, but when the shot went in, the two-time MVP was happy again.
“Yes, of course. He had an amazing night, and he was really aggressive in the fourth quarter, and that’s what — him and Aaron were really, really good,” Jokic said. “They were amazing. When he did a step-back three, I almost — I wanted to punch him, but when he made it, I was so happy. (Laughter).”
Brown had 21 points in Game 4 while shooting 8-of-11 from the field, 3-of-5 from beyond the arc and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. The Nuggets on Game 4 by 13 points to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the Finals. Brown had 11 points in the fourth quarter.
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Nikola Jokic, Bruce Brown & Denver Nuggets Updates
“Really just be aggressive,” Brown said. “We knew they were going to trap Jamal and try to get the ball out of his hands, so the other four players were going to have to make plays, and then luckily it was just my time in the fourth quarter.”
The Nuggets are one win away from winning their first championship in franchise history. Brown, who is turning himself into a household name, is staying focused and not thinking about his amazing journey at the moment.
NBA NEWS & FINALS COVERAGE: Nikola Jokic, Bruce Brown & Denver Nuggets Updates
“No. I’m not thinking about it too much,” Brown said. “I know coming into the league what I could do. It was just a team had to give me a chance, and Dwane Casey did. I started my rookie year, did very well. So I thank him for that, but now doing it on this stage, it’s amazing. I’ll think about it when we’re done.”
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