DENVER — Nikola Jokic obtained his third Most Invaluable Participant trophy from NBA commissioner Adam Silver then celebrated by dominating Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Denver Nuggets celebrity exploded for 40 factors, 13 assists and seven rebounds with no turnovers to steer Denver to a 112-97 victory Tuesday night time in Sport 5 at a raucous Ball Area.
Denver now leads 3-2 within the Western Convention semifinal collection and might advance to the convention finals with a win in Sport 6 on Thursday in Minneapolis.
“I did not see any weaknesses [in our defense],” Minnesota star guard Anthony Edwards stated. “I seen the MVP. He confirmed that he is the MVP.”
Even by Jokic’s good MVP requirements, the middle placed on a clinic towards Gobert, the newly minted four-time Defensive Participant of the 12 months, and the most effective protection within the NBA this season. Jokic transformed 15 of twenty-two photographs however was 8-of-9 when Gobert was his main defender.
“Unbelievable,” stated Nuggets ahead Aaron Gordon, who had 18 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. “He performed superb. The three-time MVP simply dominated the whole sport, in each side of it. Astounding. That was ridiculous.”
The reigning NBA Finals MVP hit Gobert and the Wolves with a dizzying array of spin strikes, hook photographs, 3-pointers (two of them) and even some uncommon dunks in transition.
“I imply, I had the open lane and simply — I am a freak of nature,” Jokic deadpanned of his slams. “And why not present my athleticism.”
Jokic’s night time was so good that his opponents could not do a lot else however giggle. His final 3-pointer was in isolation on the prime of the arc towards Gobert. Jokic drilled a step-back jumper with Gobert blanketed on him with 3:09 left within the contest. All Gobert may do was maintain his arm up excessive within the air to problem. Because the Wolves known as timeout down 14, Gobert’s arm sunk as if all of the air had been deflated out of him.
“I simply giggle,” Edwards stated in response to Jokic’s efficiency. “That is all I can do. I am unable to be mad, as a result of he is good, man. I feel I stated that after Sport 1, once we gained, and Sport 2. He is the MVP. He is the most effective participant within the NBA; he confirmed it the final three video games, three video games in a row. He did it tonight.”
“He was particular tonight,” added Edwards, who was held to 18 factors with 9 assists. “I bought to provide him his flowers. I do not know what we had been alleged to do.”
Since Jokic was named this season’s MVP final Wednesday, the Nuggets have gained three straight video games to take management of the collection. Within the three victories, Jokic has averaged 33 factors, 9.7 assists and 9.3 rebounds and has shot 61% from the sector.
“Nikola was named MVP after that Sport 2 loss,” Denver coach Michael Malone stated of the Nuggets’ embarrassing 106-80 loss to the Wolves on Might 6. “And I feel the final three video games he has proven everyone why he’s arguably among the finest gamers to play this sport.”
Tuesday’s outing was Jokic’s fifth 40-point sport of his playoff profession but the primary time he gained whereas scoring 40 or extra. He joined Chris Paul as the one gamers to have 40 factors, 10 assists and nil turnovers in a playoff sport since particular person turnovers had been first tracked in 1977-78, in keeping with analysis by ESPN Stats & Data.
Though Jokic was named MVP final week, he did not obtain the Michael Jordan Trophy from Silver till Tuesday night time.
Jokic had 19 factors and eight assists by halftime. However within the third quarter, he was surgical. He made 6 of seven photographs and scored 16 factors. Gobert and the Wolves had been helpless as Jokic fueled a 36-21 run within the third to show a one-point deficit right into a 14-point lead.
Jokic buried and banked turnaround hook photographs and appeared to have a counter for the whole lot Gobert tried to make use of to sluggish him down.
“When he will get it going and he’s throwing up that silly one-legged, one-armed behind the backboard [shot], I’m simply [heading] again on protection,” stated Denver guard Jamal Murray, who put in 16 factors. “It’s superb how he picks aside and reads the sport and trusts his teammates. Clearly, getting the trophy tonight most likely motivated him a bit of bit.”
Jokic stated he simply hopes to have yet another counter than Gobert when the 2 are matched up. Malone, although, stated there may be one other stage to Jokic’s genius.
“His IQ is off the charts. He most likely belongs to Mensa [International],” Malone stated of the high-IQ group. “He most likely does not even know what Mensa is.”
Jokic will bear in mind this night time, particularly the way it began, with him receiving the MVP award in entrance of roaring followers.
“I feel simply the love from the group that you would be able to really feel in teammates, coaches,” Jokic stated. “I feel it is only a second that I bear in mind my entire life.”
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.
