The 2022-23 NBA season is over, and the Denver Nuggets are your NBA champions. The main reason for the Nuggets’ success has been their star center, Nikola Jokic.
The Joker, as Jokic is called, has been turning heads across the NBA for his impressive performances. His skill set, leadership, and versatility have made him the heart and soul of the Nuggets.
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It appears that Jokic can do no wrong when he’s out on the basketball court. From his incredible passing skills to his scoring ability and his unselfish play, Jokic’s unique style of play is finally earning the respect that he deserves with their 2023 Finals victory.
Related: Throwback to when LaMelo Ball battled Nikola Jokic in December 2021
Jokic’s historic run
Nikola Jokic has been a statistical marvel since entering the league. He has already accomplished so much in his career, including being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in both the 2020-21 season and 2021-22 season.
His impact on the team’s success cannot be overstated. In fact, the Denver Nuggets’ performance has often been reflective of Jokic’s play on the court.
Jokic’s unique style of play as a big man has transformed the center position in the modern era of basketball. He has exceptional ball-handling skills and a unique passing ability that allows him to run the offense from the high post or even the three-point line.
This makes him a triple threat at all times, able to shoot, pass, or drive to the basket at any given moment. Jokic’s impact on the team goes beyond his impressive individual stats. His leadership on the court and his unselfish play have helped to elevate the performance of his teammates.
The Joker’s presence on the floor creates space for other players to operate and score more effectively. Jokic’s ability to read the game and make quick decisions has been crucial to the team’s success.
Jokic’s impact on winning
His statistical achievements are impressive, but it is his impact on the team’s success that sets him apart. With Jokic leading the charge, the Denver Nuggets earned the top spot in the Western Conference in the 2022-23 season with a record of 53-29.
Jokic fell short of winning his third straight MVP, as fellow big man, Joel Embiid, took home that honor, and he fell short of becoming the first center in league history to average a triple-double in a season (24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists).
In the playoffs, Jokic got even better. He set the record for most triple-doubles in a postseason run with 10. He also upped his overall averages to 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. This includes putting up averages of 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in the NBA Finals.
There was no answer all season long for Nikola Jokic, and his play has earned him the title as the best player in the league and, more importantly, an NBA champion after his Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 in the Finals.
