![]() “So that gives us a chance to be pretty versatile. “If he’s our backup five, that means we’re playing pretty small,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. ![]() Hence Nnaji’s continued inclusion in the effort to solidify a backup center, despite his 6-foot-9 height and skillset that makes him more natural at other positions. Like last year, they don’t exactly have a surplus of it. ![]() The other is a matter of injury prevention.Īfter appearing in a career-high 53 games and five more during the playoffs last season, Nnaji is positioned to become even more of an everyday player in 2023-24 as the defending champion Nuggets seek frontcourt depth to support their two-time MVP after a short offseason. One requires increased physicality and aggression. In order for Zeke Nnaji to be the next big man up behind Nikola Jokic, his current checklist features only two boxes: crash the glass, and don’t break like glass. “Denver was just the better basketball team in this series.Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menu Sometimes, you just get beat,” Spoelstra said. Malone’s opposite number, Erik Spoelstra, tipped his hat to the newly crowned champions. “We accomplished something this franchise has never done before but we have young talented players in that locker room, and I think we just showed through 16 play-off wins what we’re capable of on the biggest stage in the world.” “The last step after a champion is to be a dynasty so we’re not satisfied,” said Malone, who has been in charge since 2015. Jamal Murray had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in becoming the fourth player in the Finals to average 20 points and 10 assists.ĭrenched in champagne, Denver coach Michael Malone was already eyeing more for his team in the seasons to come. It was Michael Porter Jr’s turn to step up for the Nuggets on Monday, scoring 16 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Their four play-off losses are the fewest by a champion since the 2017 Golden State Warriors. They were 5-of-28 from behind the arc, the third-worst percentage (17.9) by any Finals team, and were 13-of-23 from the line.īut Denver was dominant this post-season, going 16-4 and losing just once at home (Game 2 of the Finals). Miami’s Tyler Herro was cleared to play for the first time since breaking his right hand on 16 April, but did not get in the game. Jimmy Butler went just 5-of-18 from the floor for his team-high 21 points. 8 seed in league history to reach the Finals, shot a woeful 34 per-cent. 2023 NBA Finals: Nikola Jokic's triple-double leads Denver Nuggets to Game 1 win.2023 NBA Finals: Miami Heat roar back in 4Q to even series at 1-1.2023 NBA Finals: Double triple-doubles from Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray send Denver Nuggets to Game 3 win.2023 NBA Finals: Aaron Gordon steps up as Denver Nuggest 1 win away from 1st championship.This is a great group of people, a great group of team-mates. ![]() “It’s good, it’s good,” said Jokic, who is the lowest drafted player ever to win the Finals MVP award. He is the first player in NBA history to lead the play-offs in total points, rebounds and assists. Jokic averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists for the series with a pair of triple-doubles. He led the way again on this night with 28 points, 16 rebounds and four assists. The Denver Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 94-89 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to win their first-ever championship on Monday (13 June).Įnding a 47-year wait for Denver, Nikola Jokic was named Finals MVP. ![]()
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