Nikola Jokić did it again on Friday night, joining another elite crew of basketball players for his performance as the Nuggets took a 3–1 lead over the Heat. This time, he became the fourth player ever to record 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks together in an NBA Finals game, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan.
At first, Jokić didn’t understand what he did that was so special, as his 23 points, 12 rebounds and four assists by themselves, while impressive, are modest for him and a line you’d expect more than four players to have posted.
“It’s not a big 23, 12 and four, fourth ever with 23, [12] and four?” he asked.
Then, when he was told the historic line included blocks and steals, Jokić was underwhelmed, and responded with a simple thumbs up.
“I don’t know, it’s nice, it’s good, I really don’t know what to say,” he said.
Jokić not impressed when compared to LeBron, KD, and Duncan 😂 pic.twitter.com/gQIHL0vUA9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 10, 2023
NBA fans loved Jokić’s nonchalant response:
When real MVPS talk. Light work https://t.co/qfsSs3xbIQ
— K.J. Collins (@Rajin_Kajin) June 10, 2023
I’m becoming a fan the more I watch him https://t.co/4OKAanpLyc
— QuestFor18 (@HisandHerLakers) June 10, 2023
People have to understand Jokic doesn’t care about all these accomplishments, he just wants to ball and go home https://t.co/2HymrLTrR1
— Juan RC 🇵🇷 (@elclass_king) June 10, 2023
Ha! 😂 Man, go get that ring big fella. You deserve it more than anyone. 👏 https://t.co/36lHKPXEbz
— Audel Del Toro (@CantBeatAudel) June 10, 2023
Good dude. Gets it! Great player. https://t.co/BN3TWMA2Vf
— Smart T. Jones (@exhaustedBS) June 10, 2023
Jokić is one win away from adding the crucial first NBA title to his résumé, but his demeanor remains as stoic as usual, primarily focused on the team instead of himself.
