Nikola Jokić was aware that he would beat the dramatic buzzer to score a three-pointer. The score made the Denver Nuggets victorious over the Golden State Warriors.
At Chase Center, the Warriors were on the edge of beating the Denver Nuggets for the first time in two years. The defending champion ended the NBA Championship with a 25-4 run and a 130-127 win.
The victory shot was made by Nikola with only 3.6 seconds on the clock, and the MVP hit an impossible three-pointer almost from half-court, which made its way from the arm of Kevin Looney and was in.
23 seconds earlier, Kevin tied the game with a short jumper, and he ended the game with 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and 34 points.
Nikola Jokić’s comments after the victory
Nikola said: With that play, that was his last choice, and he just fired a shot. Those, in my opinion, are the easiest photos to get. There isn’t anything else you can do.
He honestly thought that he was going to make it as soon as the ball left his hand. As the ball was flying, he did not doubt that it would not go in.
With the victory, Denver improved to 25-11 and handed the Warriors their third defeat in as many games. It was their eighth victory in nine games.
With barely four seconds remaining, Jamal Murray stole the ball from Stephen Curry, setting up Jokic’s game-winning jumper. Denver coach Michael Malone praised his team’s hard play.
What were the Denver Nuggets expecting?
Given that Golden State scored 70 points in the first half, 42 of which were in the paint—the most points the Warriors gave up in the first half of this season—the Nuggets stated they anticipated Golden State to deliver their strongest blow.
One of the greatest quarters of the Warriors’ season was the third one. Their +20 point difference was their second-highest in any quarter, and their 75% field goal percentage was also their greatest performance thus far.
The Nuggets, according to Gordon, never dropped their heads. They maintained a positive attitude and worked to level the playing field by focusing on one-stop, one score, and each timeout.
What was in Malone’s mind?
Murray dribbled before Malone could seek a timeout, which was granted after he attempted to do so. The Nuggets had to shoot the ball three-quarters of the floor as a result.
Malone was thinking of three plays. Murray was supposed to be the first player on the strong side of the sideline. At half-court, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope blasted off of Jokic in the second.
The third had Gordon striking Jokic in the hopes that the two-time MVP and current MVP of the Finals would spark an action.
That was the final thing that happened. However, Jokic did not show any signs of nervousness despite having fewer than four seconds to locate his shot.
Denver Nuggets on a roll
It may have seemed improbable a few years ago, but the Nuggets have now beaten the Warriors in eight of their last nine regular-season matchups.
In theory, Golden State’s basketball style and ability to defend to force Jokić out of the paint have presented challenges for opponents in previous matchups.
But, with players like Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the roster, Jokić is now much better defended defensively for the Nuggets. Jokić and Murray have also advanced to the point where they might very easily dominate a future playoff series against Golden State.
The Warriors played without Draymond Green
For the eleventh consecutive game, the Warriors were without Green, who was suspended indefinitely three weeks prior.
Though coach Steve Kerr would not corroborate the claim before the game, ESPN reported on Thursday that Green was anticipated to return to the team facilities in the upcoming days in preparation for a return.
Due to a strained hamstring, Gary Payton II will be out for an extended period for Golden State. Patyon will have a new evaluation in three weeks, according to the Warriors.
