"He's special" - LeBron James' high praise for Nikola Jokic following series sweep
Following the Game 4 loss, LeBron James made sure to give Nikola Jokic his flowers after he put the world on notice yet again.
"Everybody gets cracked up about his stats," James said, "but I don't think a lot of people talk about [his basketball IQ]... or maybe its not talked about cause people don't understand it. But I do. And he's special."
In a series closeout win, Jokic dropped 30 points (11-of-24 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range), 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 3 blocks. He looked unfazed by the Lakers' defense and even knocked down a cold-blooded off-balance 3-pointer over the outstretched arms of LeBron James.
In his journey to his first NBA Finals appearance, Nikola Jokic showcased why he won 2-straight MVP awards. With Nikola Jokic securing the Western Conference Finals MVP award, he also made history on the same night. Jokic passed Wilt Chamberlain for the most number of triple-doubles in a single playoff run after his 8th triple-double outing of the postseason.
In this year's playoffs, Jokic is averaging 29.9 points (53.8% shooting, including 47.4% from 3-point range), 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
LeBron James on the other hand, at 38 years of age, has still managed to put up incredible numbers in the postseason. James averaged 24.5 ppg (49.8% shooting), 9.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.
With LeBron James' consistent nature of dominance, Jokic has shown similarities in his elite production in different categories of the game. Nikola has shown everyone that he's not a fluke of a player.
Jokic has arrived and he is coming for his first NBA championship in the finals.
Similar to LeBron James' stance, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic's incredible level of play in this year's postseason run
Following the closeout victory in Game 4, Nuggets coach Michael Malone spoke to the 6y1 media and gave Nikola Jokic his due flowers.
"What he's doing is real. The MVPs are real. The triple-doubles are real," Malone saide. "All the narratives this year are just silly and somewhat ignorant. Nikola has gone through 3 rounds now, where he's averaging a triple-double in the playoffs. Have you seen any stat padding out there? Give him his damn respect."
It took years before LeBron captured his first ring. He had to evolve and grow into the Hall-of-Fame athlete he is today.
Nikola Jokic, who is 28 years, is 4 wins away from winning his first championship. His game has matured a lot throughout the years with no signs of slowing down.