2. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, and it’s not close
It’s unbelievable to imagine that a two-time MVP is just now getting his flowers, but that’s the wacky world we live in. Although his appearance and limited athleticism may not resonate with the average fan, his soft build, reminiscent of a marshmallow, doesn’t hinder him from torching opposing defenses like a s’more.
The first quarter was a prime example of how impactful Jokic is while barely touching the basketball. He stationed himself at the top of the perimeter, drawing Bam Adebayo with him and giving his teammates the ability to exploit the paint. Aaron Gordon was routinely able to get deep seals, and advantageous post touches against smaller defenders like Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin. That set the tone early on and sparked the Nugget’s first-quarter surge. Jokic requires so much attention that the Heat is at a disadvantage, no matter how they play him.
At one point, Denver was up 17, and Jokic only had three shot attempts. Instead of scoring, he put on a passing showcase, routinely attracting two defenders and swinging the ball to his shooters for wide-open threes. The anticipation is like nothing I’ve ever seen; in a split second, Jokic can dissect the play and create good shots for everyone around him. He finished with 14 assists and only two turnovers, but even that line doesn’t do justice to the wizardry he displayed with the ball in his hands.
When Miami was hanging around to start the 4th and in the midst of an 11-0 run, Jokic called his own number. He went right at Bam on the low block, contorting his way to fallaway jumpers and manipulating angles only he knows how. He added 12 points in the final frame to give him 27 for the game and provided the exclamation point for the Nugget’s first finals win in franchise history.
There’s no recipe to stop the Joker because he’s a Pantheon guy. You couldn’t stop Bird or Duncan, Shaq or Magic; it’s time to put Jokic’s name firmly in that conversation. A title would only cement that case even further, and now he’s just three wins away.