Nikola Joki seems to make history every night, and Game 3 of the NBA Finals was simply another day at the business for the Denver Nuggets star.
Joki became the first player in NBA Finals history to have a 30-20-10 stat line in the Nuggets’ 109-94 away triumph against the Miami Heat. But for the Joker, it was just another day at the office.
“I don’t mind. “It’s just a stat,” the Serbian remarked of his performance, which included 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Not only did Joki create individual history, but he and Jamal Murray became the first teammates in NBA Finals history to both have triple-doubles. Murray finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, torching the Heat from start to end.
“I’ve been with Nikola for eight years and Jamal for seven years now, and we’ve had some pretty good moments, but not in the NBA Finals,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “No one has ever done what those guys did tonight in terms of making history.” That’s what’s truly amazing about it.”
Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra lauded Denver’s dynamic combo as well.
“They make an excellent team.” “Their games really complement each other,” Spoelstra remarked on the historic night. “You have one guy who can score in a variety of ways.” Another player who sets terrific screens or handoffs and can get a lot of guys engaged if the ball comes back to him.”
Game 3 got off to a close start, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first quarter. After grabbing the initiative, the Nuggets carried a five-point advantage into halftime and didn’t look back.
Malone’s squad outscored the Heat 29-20 in the third quarter, which proved critical as Miami struggled to recover.
Despite the Heat’s defeat, Miami supporters would have welcomed Jimmy Butler’s scoring. Butler has been the Heat’s standout throughout the playoffs, and his scoring will be critical if Miami is to even the series in Game 4.
“We’re feeling wonderful. We didn’t play well tonight. “I think we just need to come out with more energy and effort, and that’s fixable,” Butler said, staying hopeful. “So come out, dive on the floor, pick up loose balls, get defensive rebounds, and maybe, just maybe, it would have been a different game.”
Aside from Joki and Murray, Christian Braun had a memorable night. In Game 3, the youngster put on a display, scoring 15 points on 7-8 shooting.
“He just has stayed ready the whole year, mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Malone said of the 22-year-old. “That kid never gets too high or too low.” “Young man, you are very calm, cool, and collected.”
The Heat will try to tie the series in front of their home fans at the Kaseya Centre in Game 4 on Friday.
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