Go to www.chime.com/amhoops to sign up for a Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card today! Thanks to Chime for supporting the show. The Denver Nuggets have won their first NBA Championship and Nikola Jokic has been vindicated!
I just know Jokic just can’t wait to get home, eat serbian food and ride his horses 💀 he’s unlike any other superstar off the court that we’ve ever seen.
I was rooting for the Heat but Jokic is a beast. Like him or hate him, he's the most humble superstar out there, and one of the most hungry to win. Deserved championship.
@@blue-phoenix115 fr. The heat did the dirty work for them, which tired them out since they got only 1-2 days of rest before the finals whereas the nuggets got an entire week. Jokic and Murray still won fair and square though. They deserve it
@@zyotic123 Nuggets does deserve this championship, but none of the Nuggets fans will admit they got a little lucky. And their fans claiming this is one of the best runs in NBA history when they beat the 8th, 4th, 7th, 8th seed.
People interpret it as disrespectful, but we Serbs just love our country. I'm in Serbia now, grew up in Chicago, and i can tell you I'm not looking forward to going back 😂 The media is so out of touch that they can't grasp the idea that a kid from a small village can't wait to go back to his small village..
@@spookyghostwriter3110 You get it! Isn't this whole Championship poetic justice in a way? 😂 Media talked him down because they couldn't market him, then he wins everything and just says, "I need to go home" 💀
You forgot 2 very important factors to the Nuggets becoming this juggernaut. 1. They chose to go with Jokic over Nurkic 2. MPJ getting injured in college allowed them to draft him very very low in the draft.
The Nuggets Heat finals were so cool. All the teams who packed the floor with super stars and iso-scorers were beat out by championship level basketball. No hero ball, but pure fundamentals. I hope to see the rest of the NBA take a different direction after this, one more focused on basketball and less on individual talent.
@@darwinmiclis2342 don't know why people are giving your team a hard time, they did amazing in these playoffs and their fans should hold their heads high even if they couldn't win it all
What I can't get over was how calm and collected Jokic was on the court after the game. All his cohorts, Murray, Gordon, etc. were in tears, yet his first order of business was to hug and shake hands with teammates and opponents. He's truly a different cat than the rest of the NBA.
Happens when you don’t really care that you won or about the sport your playing. Hard not to be “humble” when you just don’t care. Shaking hands is humbleness tho I won’t deny that
@@kfc4056 if my star "doesnt care" but puts in far more hours than stars that pretend to care while sitting out most games, I'll take him over others any day. Look at the them top pick Muricans, Ayton, KAT, Ja, Zion. All flawed as hell personality-wise and lazy, give me that "doesnt care, but works hard" guy anyday.
Joker is my favorite player in the league. Being a Nuggets fan definitely helps but its just so refreshing to see a superstar who couldn't care less about the fame.
So glad someone finally mentioned how good Jokic is defensively because of how much effort he put in, I feel it has really been slept on with a lot of people saying he had good defenders around him, which is true, but he averaged 1.1 steals and 1 block. Giannis won DPOY averaging 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks
Giannis and jokic arent even close on D, they are on different stratospheres. The numbers assist the argument they dont paint the picture by themselves. Although jokic is a positive on D which is honestly good enough for his team.
I feel like as good as Joel was he had some slight stat padding. Nothing crazy especially considering other players in the league, but Jokic never brute forced a shot when he saw a better chance for a teammate. Joel's stats dropped in the playoffs when he had to focus on winning, whereas Jokic's only got better. I won't be surprised if he still got many more MVP seasons in him to come.
Jokić actually likes to play basketball, as a kid he played a lot of streetball (that's why he's full of tricks), but he didn't like to train. Last year, he said an interesting thing to the Serbian media - people generally don't like sports, they like winning. Jokić is one of those who truly love sports.
Man, I'm from Serbia but I was kind of rooting for the Heat in game 5 so the series could get nasty :) I just love basketball and wanted more games! But there was no chance really... The Nuggets were just too good! Watching that fist half, they were only down 7 somehow! The shot 1-15 from 3, had 10 turnovers and also missed a lot of free throws as well??? And still only down 7 :O Jokic was in foul trouble... But I just had that feeling that Joker is locked in and will dominate in the second half. It was a perfect game for Miami... Low scoring, grueling battle... They absolutely did the best they could do! But Denver was just too strong. Miami had to play zone (which I loved, I think we will keep seeing more of it in the future, hopefully). And Denver just broke it down, textbook, most of the time... It was just beautiful to watch Denver read everything. Miami definitely overachieved even getting into the finals... But they absolutely deserved it and I was literally kind of rooting for them even though I was rooting for Denver the whole way. Miami just proved what awesome coaching and chemistry can do for a team. Absolutely love the Heat in every way, big big big props to that whole organization. Very subpar team on paper, but they fucking destroyed this season despite it! And biggest props to Jimmy... That man carried them to the finals like very few have before. I think they just kind of ran out of gas :S Jimmy was so passive at times that I literally though that he is injured! Maybe he was, but I don't think he will ever make that excuse. All in all, extremely happy for the Nuggets, they absolutely deserved it! Happy for the Heat as well, they will be back! And on a side note: Djokovic is freaking insane too... I just can't help but be proud and amazed that our crappy little country has been putting out so much talent in sports (and other areas) since forever. Amazing role models for kids all around the world and especially here! Mental toughness is, by far, our biggest trait. We've been through a lot of shit (by no means special in that sense), but that's probably one of the biggest reasons why people from the Balkans/ex YU are so fucking stubborn and resilient... We're just weird lol Kind, welcoming, awesome hosts, beautiful people... But there is still that weird spark of just not putting up with shit, ever! lol I've literally never met ANYONE from wherever in the world, that came to Serbia, and didn't fucking love it to the core. And especially the West world. So welcome to Serbia/Balkans! I doubt you can go anywhere else in the "3rd" world and experience this kind of hospitality and insanity in one place lol Croatia... Probably one of the most beautiful seasides you'll ever see (and they charge heavy for it, rightfully so). Bosnia... Amazing diversity of muslim and christian coexisting in some insane way... And the nature is just amazing on many levels. Montenegro... Beautiful seaside and nature as well, but the people are just different... Don't want to miss that lol... And Serbia... we are just wtf to a lot of people... Amazing nature, but most importantly, the people are just so welcoming to strangers... And a looot of people speak near perfect english
Nuggets deserve the title they worked so hard for it and they have the potential to continue to compete at a high-level. And a amazing, Coach that really helps them grow their hometown.
There's a weird curse in the NBA If you win MVP back-to-back, you don't win a title until the season where you don't win it Same thing happened to Giannis
Didn't happen to LeBron. Didn't happen with Steph. Not with Duncan, not with Nash, just to list off one of the last few. It happened just with Giannis, so there is no curse. Unless it happens to like the next one in the next 5 years, I don't agree with this take.
I wouldn’t say luck. This is more of building a dominant roster. This ain’t a Patriots situation when a bad call basically got them a title. Jokic is a rare example of developing prospect and grew to be the best offensive big man the league has ever seen. It’s the same how I felt with Giannis in 2021. Shaq was always out of shape and preferred to be Mr. Hollywood. But when he cares, he is the most dominant big man in the league. Same as Jokic. Jokic knows he has the talent and gave a damn when he puts in the effort.
Good on Jokic's part to see a failing, own it, and improve himself. A big hurdle with a lot of people is not owning that a failure was due to themselves. Deflect, deny, or better yet, throw someone else under the bus. I appreciate that this guy isn't your typical sports star and is something of a goofball.
400k subscribers, congratulations! I’m so happy to see this growth. You’ve been suppling me with nba news for the better part of 2 years now, glad to see you get some of the attention you deserve.
Top level athlete that was hard for the public to accept because he doesn’t have an ego or a self inflated sense of worth. He’s just a normal dude who is exceptionally good at basketball. People need to get behind people like that
i know this video is not about the warriors but damn, that CBA really hit GS hard. i hope this nuggets team manages to keep their drafted core and not be punished for developing and paying their players well just like the warriors.
100% correct that the key is that Jokic care about defense even if he's not elite. Making the effort matters to teammates. This is what I've said for ages about Steph. Not elite or going to shut people down, but he makes an effort and plays the defensive scheme. they are the COMPLETE opposite of Hardin.
It's crazy to think this team drafted Mitchell and Gobert, who were 2 of the main pieces in Utah, and let them go, but still had the best team in the league this year. Crazy. Of course, Gobert and Jokic would never have worked out together, but you can't tell me Mitchell wouldn't help them, especially offensively...but then they wouldn't have the team they have defensively either with him, as someone would have to go. Just food for thought
I mean, there is also Jamal Murray as well... You think the core of Gobert, Jokic, Mitchell, and Murray would work out... Throw in Nurkic as well in there because he was also in Denver back in the day
Congrats to jokic and the nugets for their first title in their very first finals appearance, nothing is sweeter than that. Just like the warriors in 2015, although it was not their first, but certainly the first in a very long time.
I can tell from his reaction to winning the championship that he STILL doesn’t love the game. He is just brilliant at it. And I love that honestly. MJ has defined what it means to be great this generation and we think everyone needs to be this ultra competitive obsessive person to win. Jokic will dominate you and act like it’s just a Tuesday for him.
@Jokicbestintheworld fair enough. I mean I guess you do have to love the sport to get to that level. I don’t mean to question his commitment. It’s obviously there. But rather I think he has a healthy relationship with the game. He doesn’t come across as someone who prioritizes it over everything else. He seemed way more excited to share that moment with his family than he did to be crowned a champion or finals MVP. Bro understands work life balance lol.
if jokic isn't love with basketball he will not try even once to come back play basketball and he probably still be overweight with coke as his diet routine
They have the potential of a dynasty. Getting deep in the playoffs consistently puts a lot of stress in the body and most of their core players are injury prone. If they take care of their body during their prime years, I can see them get 2 more chips maybe in the next 5 years.
The key to winning it all in the NBA for many years now, has been to have multiple tall, athletic wings that can defend. The Spurs had Ginobili and Leonard, Heat had Wade and James, Bucks had Giannis and Middleton, Warriors had Barnes, Iggy, and Klay, then substituted KD for Barnes. Boston has made several straight East finals becasue of all the wings they have. I told my dad Denver would win in 5 before the series. He thought Miami would win. I told him Denver had too many big athletic wings that could defend, that would make it hard on Jimmy. I was right Edit---and oh yeah, Toronto had Leonard and Siakim. I'm sure I am forgetting some others
MIami being utterly outsized on basically every relevant position wasnt even a hot take. Jokic is 7ft, MPJ is 6'10 and AG is perhaps 6'9. Murray isnt a huge guy, but taller than Lowry. Butler is the smallest 6'7 guy I have ever seen. Love his game, but he looks smaller than he is on court.
@@maxmeier532 I didn't say it was a hot take, just that that is the way it has been in the NBA for many years now. The team that wins it all usually has many big wings that can defend. You know, if you quit being an azz, people might like you more
@@rkymtnchi503 I'll give ya Jokic just needing players to hit open shots, but you also need multiple tall, athletic wings that can defend to win the chip now...but I have to disagree about Murray. He is absolutely key to their success. The guy was their leading scorer in many of their playoff games, and just had that killer instinct that many lack now in the NBA. He steps his game up big time in the playoffs
@@PhoenixAscending there are probably about a dozen guards that could have replaced Murray and they still would have won. Jokic was the key and will continue to be the key for years. Not just the points, rebounds, asissts...he leads most games in successful screens and he draws a ton of attention down low that he gets everyone open 3s. So I still say Murray is replaceable. Don't get me wrong, I like Murray and think the best thing he has going for him is the chemistry he has built over the years with Jokic. I hope he stays, he worked his ass off to get back to this level. Jokic strikes me as the type of dude who would take a pay cut to keep him around if necessary
Honestly the Warriors are smart franchise that is run by smart management meaning they get good players on good deals to help Steph Same thing with the Heat because they’re also run by smart people like Pat Reilly
I called it that Denver would win the Championship this year. I could feel it. After seeing pretty much one game vs my Pacers. All the pieces, O/D at every position. JAN 2Oth Pacers Vs Denver. My comment is there from over 4 to 5 months ago.. Was obvious to me they looked more than ready. Murray, the other's and the fact Gordon was playing so much better.
I truly think there was a contingent of NBA media and MVP voters who have never watched Jokic play prior to the playoffs. No joke, it seems like the NBA media is about 3 years late to the party about something us Nuggets fans have known for a long time. I do think the media is in correction mode because the NBA can't have their premier player be so under marketed and underrated but yes, Jokic is an all time great player. He was robbed of his MVP this year averaging nearly a triple double on 70% TS and he fully deserved them the 2 years prior. It's funny how the "traffic cone on defense" narratives have been put to bed forever. Yes, the Nuggets were built to play playoff basketball and Jokic was a big reason for that.
Wanna know something interesting Jokic defensive rating for this year was 109.6, then in the playoffs 108, and his defensive rating in the Finals was 103. Also when Jokic doesn’t play the teams defensive rating is 114.9, compare that to the 76ers defensive rating without Embiid is 111.5. When Jokic does play his team’s defensive rating is 111.8.
I don't think he is not in love with the game He is a professional always gives the best of his abilities Just that Europeans have a broader outlook on life outside the game It can be a good thing as it keeps your keel eve n
Excellent analysis. I've been comparing this Nuggets team to the 2015 Warriors. Homegrown, good chemistry, play fantastic team ball. The Tim Duncan-led Spurs teams are another comparison.
I agree the era of super is done…..last 3 years of NBA was won by Bucks (2021) , Warriors (2022) and Nuggets (2023) and the similarities of these team are build from scratch edit: I did not include 2020 NBA champs because it was build from trades
With the New CBA Rules plus 3-4 generational or franchise altering players in this years draft is all leading up to the craziest off-season in NBA history.
@@nature-kv3xe dude has 2 mvps in a row, a title, one of the best playoff runs of all time and is easily one of the best offensive bigs of all time. I get where your coming from but he has one hell of a resume
I think a lot of guys in boxing just look in shape because they are lean. However they look super lean because they have to lose weight (Fat and water) to make weight. A big guy in theory may have a little worse cardio, but other than that, pure punching power, quickness, dont necessarily get negatively impacted by a little meat on the hips. Plus the weight makes it more exhausting for the opponent when you lean on him in clinching. Similarly in the NBA where most guys are tall, if you are even taller plus heavier, you can just bully everyone. Gabe Vincent looked like Muggsy Bogues against Jokic. Even Bam at 6'9 had to give 110% to even slow Jokic down, yet by no means stopping him. And Bam absolutely looks more "athletic" than Jokic. But it's not about who's the leanest. It's the NBA not the cover of Mens Health.
I remember when denver had nurkic and jokic and they traded nurkic so jokic could get more minutes. Both had put up some flashy numbers on random nights, and having not watched either, i remember thinking it was a bold decision that they could end up regretting if they had chosen wrong. They hadnt.
I mean Nurkic is also just hitting his strides as well until he got injured and never stay healthy since then... I believe Nurkic is one of those players that puts 5*5 statlines before like 20+ pts. 10+ rebs, 5+ assists, 5+ steals, and 5+ blocks but he was robbed thanks to his injuries...
