The Denver Nuggets are your 2022-23 NBA champions, and the Finals MVP award was rightfully given to big man Nikola Jokic. Since Jokic is now a champion, we here at Ball Exclusives will dive back into the past to a game where Jokic battled Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
Related: LaMelo Ball becomes second youngest player in NBA history to total 1000 points, rebounds, and assists
LaMelo Battles Jokic
The Hornets played the Nuggets on December 23, 2021. At this time, the Hornets were sitting on a 16-17 record, while the Nuggets were 15-15. So, both teams were struggling and needed a win to get on the right track.
This led to both of their stars, LaMelo Ball and Nikola Jokic, going at each other in the game. Ball finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, while Jokic put up 29 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Jokic may have won the individual battle, but the Hornets escaped with the 115-107 victory. I think Ball would take this trade-off any day.
Check out the highlights below.
