Photo: Nuggets Celebrate Nikola Jokić's 3rd MVP with Funny Shirt Before Wolves Game
May 15, 2024
DENVER, CO - MAY 14: Peyton Watson (8) of the Denver Nuggets wears a shirt honoring three-time MVP teammate Nikola Jokic (15) before the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokić has gone from being a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA draft to a three-time MVP.
And if you don't think those humble origins have fueled him, at least a little, perhaps the warmup shirts the Denver Nuggets were wearing ahead of a Game 5 matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves—on the same night Jokić will be presented with his MVP award—might convince you otherwise:
Remember when you laughed at me? Peyton Watson the first of many Nuggets to wear these new shirts for Nikola Jokic’s third MVP pic.twitter.com/5KERgH5xwp
The picture in the shirts referenced both his nickname, The Joker, and also a photo of a young Jokić rocking a Nuggets sweatshirt during his childhood:
Jokić wearing a Denver Nuggets sweater in Serbia 23 years ago 🤯
Jokić is a singular talent, sporting the ability to score at all three levels, pass like an elite point guard and crash the boards with his physical frame, all while rumbling down the court and getting to his spots with an "old man playing pickup" vibe that belies his elite finesse and coordination.
Mock him at your own peril.
Nuggets' Malone: Critics 'Were Quick to Write Us Off' After Losing 2 Games vs. Wolves
May 13, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 12: Head coach Michael Malone interacts with Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 12, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
After the Denver Nuggets fell behind 2-0 in the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, some believed the defending NBA champions were on their way to a disappointing playoff exit. However, head coach Michael Malone never lost faith in his team.
Malone's faith was rewarded, as the Nuggets tied the series 2-2 with a pair of impressive performances, including Sunday's 115-107 win in Game 4.
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion. They were quick to write us off, but these guys, we won a championship a year ago," Malone told reporters after the game. "We went into Miami and won two games in a row. This team has been tested time and time again and we found a way to solve whatever's been thrown at us."
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion. They were quick to write us off... This team has been tested time and time again and we found a way to solve whatever's been thrown at us." 🗣️
After being blown out 106-80 on its home floor in Game 2, Denver looked like a shell of the team that tore through the 2023 playoffs on its way to its first title in franchise history. Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray answered affirmatively when asked if the Game 2 loss was a wake-up call for the team, but he also echoed his coach's sentiments that he never feared the worst.
Jamal Murray on the belief the Nuggets had getting on the plane leaving Denver last week: "We're the champs. We've been in this position before. I never had doubts."
The Nuggets shot 57 percent from the field in Sunday's victory. Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić led the way with 35 points, while Aaron Gordon had 27 points and Murray added 19.
Despite the strong performance, Malone added that the team isn't getting ahead of itself as it tries to achieve a second straight title.
"This series is a long way from being over, we're not celebrating," he said. "It's 2-2, so now you have to find a way to win Game 5. But what I've found about our group is that they do believe in themselves, and more importantly, they believe in the man next to them. We have a group that is acting as you would hope a championship team would act."
Video: Jamal Murray Hits Half-Court Buzzer-Beater, Caps 8-0 Nuggets Run in 20 Seconds
May 13, 2024
DENVER, CO - MAY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 12, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets ended the first half of Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a bang.
Following a fast-break dunk from Michael Porter Jr., a sloppy inbound pass from the Wolves landed in the hands of Murray, who swished a halfcourt shot to beat the buzzer and send the Nuggets into the half up 15:
Ant Edward's 3 with 00:48 seconds in 2Q cut DEN's once 16-pt lead down to 7 From there: Gobert foul 00:33 KCP 3 00:20 Edwards turnover/Jokic steal 00:05 MPJ dunk 00:02 Alexander-Walker turnover/Murray steal 00:02 Murray 3 from 55 feet to beat the buzzer DEN up 64-49 at half
The shot capped off an 8-0 run for the Nuggets in the final 20 seconds of the half and gave them a 64-49 edge at the break.
Murray's shot and the run by Denver gave the Nuggets all the momentum heading into the second half. Denver is looking to even the series and avoid going down 3-1, and the swing gave it a comfortable lead after the first half.
The Timberwolves took the first two games of the series after a hard-fought Game 1 and a blowout in Game 2. From there, the Nuggets managed to answer back in a big way, picking up a dominant 27-point win on Friday.
Now, Denver will look to take Game 4 and head back to its home court with a chance to lead the series.
Murray has been somewhat inconsistent against the Timberwolves so far, notching a 17-point Game 1 performance before scoring just eight points in Game 2. He put together a solid Game 3 with 24 points in the win.
Jamal Murray Says He Was 'Definitely Fueled' by Boos from Wolves Fans in Nuggets' Win
May 11, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 10: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2024 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Based on Jamal Murray's performance in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, the cure for a strained calf is a rain of boos pouring down from fans in the Target Center.
Murray finished with 24 points on 11-of-21 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 117-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite being resoundingly booed every time he touched the ball after throwing a heat pack on the court in Game 2.
"That definitely fueled me during the game," Murray said about the boos after the game. "And just keeps me in that mode. So it's fun. I embrace that challenge. I embrace that moment. I probably deserved the boos, so I'm not shying away from it."
Timberwolves fans were keeping a close eye on who had the ball. As soon as it hit Murray's hands, they made sure he knew they were paying attention.
Murray was fined $100,000 by the league for "throwing multiple objects in the direction of a game official during live play" in the Nuggets' loss in Game 2. The incident occurred in the second quarter when he was on the bench.
In the pool report after the game, crew chief Marc Davis said none of the officials were aware the item came from the Nuggets' bench, but they could have initiated a review under the hostile act trigger if they had been aware.
The penalty would have been a technical foul, but it would have to be determined the item "was thrown directly at somebody versus thrown in frustration" to trigger an ejection.
Murray has had an inconsistent postseason so far, due in part to a calf injury that has been bothering him since the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers.
After scoring a total of 25 points on 9-of-32 shooting in the first two games, Murray nearly matched that point total and made two more field goals in Game 3. He had 18 points in the first half alone.
The Nuggets needed a win to avoid falling in an 0-3 hole to the Timberwolves. They can even the series at two games apiece with a win in Game 4 on Sunday. It's safe to assume Murray might hear more jeers from the Minnesota faithful.
Nikola Jokić, Nuggets Wow NBA Fans in Dominant Game 3 Win vs. Anthony Edwards, Wolves
May 11, 2024
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 10: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets reacts in front of Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter in Game Three of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets entered Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves desperately needing a win. The team's effort Saturday clearly showed that.
The Nuggets dominated in Minnesota, taking a 56-41 halftime lead and building on it to take a 115-90 victory and cut the series deficit to 2-1.
The series has been tougher than anticipated for the No. 1 seeded Nuggets, but Game 3 showed the team what fans were more accustomed to seeing.
Jokić and Jamal Murray each had 24 points, which led Denver. Michael Porter Jr. was next with 21 points, while Aaron Gordon had 13 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope rounded out the starting five with 12 points.
The Timberwolves were led by Anthony Edwards, who had 19 points, five assists and six rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points, five rebounds and three assists while Mike Conley and Jayden McKnight had 10 points each.
The focus on the night was Jokić's dominance, as his 24 points were accompanied by 14 rebounds and nine assists. This was his best all-around performance of the series and comes just two days after he earned his third MVP award in the last four seasons.
While the win could serve as a reset for the Nuggets, the team needs to keep its foot on the gas in order to stay alive.
It still has the daunting task of earning a second road victory over Minnesota. While the Timberwolves had a difficult night, another performance like that should be considered unlikely.
Denver will look to even the series at two and avoid a challenging 3-1 deficit in Game 4. That game will tip-off Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
Nikola Jokić on 2024 MVP Race: 'I'm Kinda Used to It So I Didn't Even Pay Attention'
May 9, 2024
DENVER, CO - MAY 8: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets speaks about winning his third NBA MVP at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
After earning his third NBA MVP award in the last four years, the race for the honor has become mundane for Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić.
"It's been three, four years now. I think I'm kinda used to it, so I didn't even pay attention anymore. Probably a good problem to have," Jokić told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday.
Nikola Jokic after winning his third MVP:
“To be honest, I liked last year when I didn’t win it and we won a championship much better.” pic.twitter.com/7XUqMCOHoz
Jokić put forth another dazzling season in 2023-24, averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks in 79 games for the Nuggets. He beat out fellow finalists Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
While a third MVP is something to celebrate, Jokić likely has other things on his mind as he tries to lead Denver to a second straight NBA championship. The Nuggets are down 2-0 in their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they're coming off a disappointing 26-point blowout on their home floor in Game 2 on Monday.
Jokić will look to deliver an MVP performance when Denver plays Game 3 in Minnesota on Friday.
Nikola Jokić Wins 2023-24 NBA MVP Award over Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
May 8, 2024
DENVER, CO - MAY 6: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokić is now in an exclusive club of some of the best players in NBA history.
The Denver Nuggets big man took home the third MVP of his career Wednesday and defeated fellow finalists Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is the recipient of the Michael Jordan Trophy as the 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player. pic.twitter.com/CeKSGycIB4
Jokić joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six), Michael Jordan (five), Bill Russell (five), LeBron James (four), Wilt Chamberlain (four), Magic Johnson (three), Larry Bird (three) and Moses Malone (three) as the only players in NBA history to win the coveted individual award three times.
This season's MVP race was under the spotlight before the campaign even began since the NBA instituted a new rule stating players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year or All-NBA honors.
It didn't take long for that to be a storyline when Joel Embiid, who won the award in 2022-23, was sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery.
His absence prevented another race with Jokić after the Philadelphia 76ers center finished second in the voting in 2020-21 and 2021-22 when the Nuggets big man won the award. Fittingly, it was Jokić who finished in second place last season when Embiid won it.
It also opened the door for other players to be involved in the MVP chase this season, and players such as Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made their mark at times in the race.
Still, the chase seemed to narrow as the season continued with Jokić continuing his steady excellence, Dončić making a late push and Gilgeous-Alexander leading his Thunder team to the Western Conference's No. 1 seed.
Jokić was under the spotlight throughout the campaign as the best player on the reigning champions and responded by averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from deep.
It reached a point where it was a surprise at times when he didn't notch a triple-double, and his ability to control games as a center who could do everything on the floor was impossible for opposing teams to stop.
He wasn't the only MVP candidate who also had his team near the top of the Western Conference standings, though.
Gilgeous-Alexander continued his ascension from a first-time All-Star last season into a surefire spot as one of the best overall players in the league this season while averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from deep.
Oklahoma City's future is bright with so many young playmakers, but Gilgeous-Alexander helped establish the team as a title contender in 2023-24 with his explosiveness in the open floor and ability to take over in crunch time.
Dallas has also looked like a title contender at times with Dončić leading the way.
He led the league in scoring with 33.9 points per game while also nearly averaging a triple-double of 9.8 assists, 9.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He shot 48.7 percent from the field and a career-best 38.2 percent from deep, and that efficiency helped the Mavericks charge all the way to the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a red-hot finish.
Dončić and Co. went 16-4 in the final 20 games during a stretch that was largely defined by his individual dominance.
It was quite the race between the three Western Conference stars, but Jokić ultimately took the award home and further cemented his place in NBA history.
Jamal Murray Says $100K Fine 'Is What It Is' After Nuggets' Game 2 Loss to T-Wolves
May 8, 2024
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 06: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a foul being called on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 06, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
After being fined $100,000 for throwing a towel and a heating pad in the direction of a referee during Monday's Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray isn't stressing the situation.
"It is what it is. I take responsibility, on to the next," Murray told reporters when asked about the fine on Wednesday.
Murray tossed the objects onto the court with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter while the Nuggets trailed by 19 points. Play continued without the referees noticing what he did, as Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up the heating pad and tossed it back to the sidelines. Denver went on to suffer a 106-80 loss on its home floor and now faces a 2-0 deficit as the series heads to Minnesota.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch said after the game that Murray's actions were "dangerous" and "inexcusable." Crew chief Marc Davis told a pool reporter that if he noticed what happened, Murray would've been subjected to a technical foul, but he would've only faced an ejection if a video review determined that he threw the objects directly at someone and not just out of frustration.
Murray's emotions likely boiled over due to the way the Timberwolves have stifled him throughout the first two games of the series. He was held to just eight points on 3-of-18 shooting in Game 2, and he posted 17 points on 6-of-14 shooting in Denver's 106-99 loss in Game 1.
The 27-year-old has been working through a calf strain, which has also contributed to his struggles in the postseason. Through seven playoff games, he's shooting just 37.5 percent from the field.
The Nuggets will need Murray to return to form if they hope to avoid falling into a deeper hole when they return to action on Friday for Game 3.
Nuggets' Jamal Murray Avoids Suspension, Fined $100K for Throwing Objects vs. Wolves
May 7, 2024
DENVER, CO - MAY 6: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will receive a $100,000 fine (but no suspension) after throwing a heat pack and towel from the bench amid his team's 106-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic first reported the news on Murray, noting the player avoided a suspension.
With roughly five minutes remaining in the second quarter, cameras caught Murray, who was on the bench, throwing a towel at the heels of crew chief Marc Davis while he officiated live action. The towel was quickly retrieved before Davis could see (or step) on it.
A few players later, cameras captured the guard throwing a heat pack onto the court with the action at the basket nearest to him:
Murray did not receive a foul for either action, although that was because Davis was turned toward the court overseeing the game.
"I was the lead official, and I didn't notice it was on the floor or where it came from until [Karl-Anthony] Towns scored," Davis said in the pool report regarding the heat pack. "We weren't aware it had come from the bench. If we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The penalty would have been a technical foul."
It's been a tough series for Murray, who has averaged just 12.5 points through two games (including only eight on 3-of-18 shooting in Game 2). He left without speaking with reporters.
Denver is now down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, which is shifting to Minneapolis now for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 will go down on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Jamal Murray's Heat Pack Toss from Nuggets-Wolves Under NBA Review After Viral Video
May 7, 2024
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 06: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul call while playing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 06, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The NBA is looking into the moment when Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray threw a heat pack onto the floor during Monday's 106-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to insider Marc Stein.
Seated on the Nuggets bench, Murray threw the pack toward referee Marc Davis.
The veteran point guard wasn't punished in the moment because Davis was following the action and had his back to Denver's bench.
"I was the lead official, and I didn't notice it was on the floor or where it came from until [Karl-Anthony] Towns scored," Davis said in the pool report. "We weren't aware it had come from the bench. If we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The penalty would have been a technical foul."
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch had a strong reaction to the situation, calling it "inexcusable and dangerous."
It's unclear what kind of discipline might be in store for Murray, but a suspension could be on the table.
If the Nuggets were without Murray for Game 3, it could be a significant blow to their championship repeat bid. They're already staring at a 2-0 series hole, so they can ill afford to be without one of their starters for what's basically a must-win encounter.
