Nikola Jokic has done it. He has led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Miami Heat in five games. He has also earned the Finals MVP award, averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game in the series.
But what makes Jokic even more remarkable is his humility and sportsmanship. After the final buzzer sounded in Game 5, Jokic did not rush to celebrate with his teammates. Instead, he walked over to the Heat bench and shook hands with every player and coach on the opposing team.
Jokic went up to every Heat player before celebrating winning the #NBAFinals
Sportsmanship at its finest 👏 pic.twitter.com/L4xLqQT6HR
— ESPN (@espn) June 13, 2023
This gesture was not lost on the fans and the media, who praised Jokic for his classy move. Many people called him a role model and a true professional, who respects his opponents and the game of basketball.
Jokic has always been known for his kind and generous personality. He is always complimentary of his teammates and his rivals, and he never boasts or complains. He is also very close to his family, especially his two brothers who joined him in Miami to celebrate his title.
Jokic is not only one of the best players in the NBA today, but also one of the most likable. He has shown that you can win with grace and class, and that you can be a champion on and off the court.
Jokic even won the MVP award for the NBA Finals, but a humble guy like him didn’t even give it much of a thought.
Nikola Jokic claimed he didn’t care about winning a third consecutive regular-season MVP in 2022-23.
All throughout the playoffs when he posted a statistical line in the box score that had never been accomplished in NBA history ― such as the first 30-point, 20-rebound triple-double in the Finals ― Jokic downplayed it.
“It’s just a stat,” he said. “I don’t care.”
Sources: MSN
