Michael Malone, head coach of the Denver Nuggets, tried to protect Nikola Jokic after he and his students defeated the Lakers, entering the first NBA Finals series in the club’s history.
In just 3 years, Nikola Jokic has conquered a series of remarkable achievements. In 2021 and 2022, the Serbian superstar won two consecutive MVP titles before hitting the peak in 2023, joining the Denver Nuggets in reaching the first NBA Finals series in history.
In the series of matches that ended earlier this week, Jokic contributed greatly to the Nuggets’ 4-0 “sweep” against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. He alone averaged nearly a triple-double with 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds and 9.8 assists.
When the Western Conference Finals series ended, Nikola Jokic was voted the best player (Western Conference Finals MVP), bringing home another individual title.
Nikola Jokic averaged nearly a triple-double through 4 matches against the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the best player in the Western Conference Finals MVP series
But despite such excellence, the player nicknamed “The Jоker” still does not have the recognition and attraction as expected.
The Western Conference Finals series ended with the Denver Nuggets as winners, with Nikola Jokic winning the Conference Finals MVP title. However, attention is still focused on the Los Angeles Lakers, especially LeBron James with his statement considering retiring from his career.
Denver head coach – Mr. Michael Malone spoke up about this, standing up to defend his student: “This Conference Finals MVP title is real. Everyone should give him respect.”
“ In the past, many people called Nikola a player who specializes in farming stats. Being in the Western finals and still having an average score close to a triple-double, is that called stat farming? That comment is ridiculous ,” Coach Malone added.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone (center) said Nikola Jokic has not received the respect he deserves
As for Jokic, he was more reserved when talking about individual titles in the Western finals series, and showed respect for Joel Embiid, who was just named NBA MVP a few weeks ago.
“ I think people are being meаn when they sаy Embiid shouldn’t win MVP. Personally, I believe that Embiid won completely deservedly ,” Jokic shared at the press conference.
“ If everyone pays attention and watches closely, Embiid has played excellently throughout the season. I’m not sure whether Joel played 82 or how many games but no one could stop him.
I think Embiid is a winner and deserves the MVP title, but I don’t think much about them (individual titles – PV) anymore .”
Ignoring the story of MVP titles, Nikola Jokic aims for the opportunity to win the NBA championship for the first time in his playing careerNikola Jokic and Joel Embiid have created a two-horse race for the MVP title – Best Player this season. Two years ago, Jokic won 2 in a row. This year it was Embiid’s turn to be voted MVP for the first time.
As “The Jоker” shared above, his worry is now no longer about individual titles but has shifted to collective success. Starting from June 2, Jokic and his teammates prepare played the first NBA finals series in club history.
There will be no better opportunity for this year’s No. 1 seed in the West to realize his dream of touching the Larry O’Brien Gold Cup.