"He's the best player" - Michael Malone hails Nikola Jokic as the new King of the NBA after winning his first Finals MVP
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone declared Nikola Jokic as the best player in the NBA after the latter claimed his first Finals MVP award. Jokic averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game against the Miami Heat, helping the Nuggets clinch their maiden NBA championship.
Jokic produced one of the most stellar playoff runs by a player in league history, and Malone couldn't help but heap praise on the two-time MVP during the team's celebrations on Monday night.
Here's what the seasoned head coach said (via NBA on TNT):
"On the basketball court, he's proven time and time again that he's the best player in the NBA. He's our MVP, we love him, and we're thankful that he's wearing a Nuggets uniform."
"He's proven time and time again that he's the best player in the NBA."
Coach Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic https://t.co/0yrVyjAKqx
Nikola Jokic has arguably been the best player in recent years, but a lack of playoff success in 2021 and 2022 saw critics question his status. However, with a championship win under his belt, there's not much one can dispute now.
Jokic was the Nuggets' best player by a mile in the playoffs and was decisive in nearly every game.
The "Joker" finished the postseason as the first player to lead every major statistical category, totaling a staggering 600 points, 269 rebounds and 190 assists.
Nikola Jokic inspires Denver Nuggets comeback in series-clinching Game 5 win
The Denver Nuggets faced a stern test against the Miami Heat in Monday's Game 5. The Heat were the better team for most of the first half after they led by 10 points at one stage. Miami entered the break with a 51-44 lead and looked in control. However, Nikola Jokic ensured the second half belonged to the Nuggets.
He tallied 19 of his 28 points and eight of his 16 rebounds in the second half alone. Jokic shot 8-10 from the field in that stretch, turning the game in the Nuggets' favor, helping them clinch a 94-89 win.
In a game where none of his teammates with at least 10 attempts shot better than 42%, Jokic made 75.0% of his shots.
Nikola Jokic is presented with the Bill Russell Trophy as the 2022-23 #NBAFinals MVP 👏 https://t.co/enfQxUJzZx
Jokic has ensured he plays winning basketball by involving his teammates in the game, but he hasn't hesitated to be aggressive when necessary, as he did in Game 5, with others having an inefficient night.
That's what made Nikola Jokic such a threat in these playoffs and helped him earn the tag of the best player in the league. It will certainly be the Nuggets' biggest strength in the coming years as well.