Outfitted 1-1 of their opening collection in opposition to the Los Angeles clippers, the Denver Nuggets acquired undesirable information on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic, regardless of one other sighted triple-double season, was overwhelmed for one of many NBA’s largest costs.
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All through the season, Jokic has arrange historic figures, on common 29.6 factors, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per recreation, becoming a member of Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook as solely gamers eternally on common a triple-double.
Nevertheless, it was the Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks who left with the primary prize of the participant of the yr of the NBA clutch, leaving Jokic, voting finalisttake into consideration what might have been.
All through the 2024-25 season, Jokic shot 56.2% on the sphere in clutch conditions, the perfect amongst all of the finalists.
But Brunson Increased quantity of finish -of -game factors (156 to 140 of Jokic) lastly swung the vote.
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For Jokic, the SNUB has combined implications.
On the one hand, he highlights that even essentially the most full participant within the league could be overshadowed when voters prioritize the uncooked rating in instances of strain.
Then again, he cements his standing as an enduring candidate for every main value: MVP, MVP of the finals and now the clutch participant of the yr.
Denver Nuggets Middle Nikola Jokic (15). © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Pictures
Whereas Denver returns to Los Angeles for match 3 Thursday, Jokic will search to translate his statistical supremacy into the one reward that counts most: a serial victory.
Denver opened his collection in opposition to the Clippers with a detailed victory of 112-110 in time beyond regulation in Ball Area, taking part in the 29 factors of Jokic, 12 assists and 9 rebounds.
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In Match 2, Jokic appeared once more with a triple-double of 26 factors, 11 rebounds and 10 assistants, however the Nuggets lastly dropped 105-102.
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