Nikola Jokic would not be denied.
Not against the Heat’s vaunted defense, not against any remaining naysayers and not from spearheading the Nuggets’ first championship in their franchise history.
A 56-year wait, including 47 years since entering the NBA, ended on Monday night. Jokic, once an obscure second-round pick, made sure of it. An ugly defensive battle turned beautiful for the champion Nuggets.
They knocked off the Miami Heat, 94-89, in Monday’s Game 5 to secure the first championship in their history. Jokic poured in 28 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter. His soft touch around the rim was unstoppable.
A raucous “M-V-P” chant boomed as the team stormed the court for the trophy presentation.
Michael Porter Jr. added 16 and snatched 13 rebounds. Jamal Murray had 14.
But their defense was tenacious. The Nuggets allowed only 18 points in the fourth quarter, swarming and swallowing any comeback attempt Miami tried. Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21, and Bam Adebayo added 20.
But Jokic would not be denied.
Click here to read more about tonight’s history-making game.
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