After enduring season of criticism and debate about his MVP credentials and playoff success, Jokic got here out extraordinarily sturdy within the first sport of the Western Convention Finals towards the Lakers.
He had double-digit rebounds within the first quarter, and hadd with a mind-boggling 19 factors, 16 rebounds and 7 assists earlier than halftime.
Denver took an 18-point lead after two quarters because of the Joker’s efforts. He additionally obtained to a triple-double earlier than midway by means of the third quarter.
The one manner the Lakers might decelerate Jokic? Drawing fouls. The sport slowed down late because the Lakers protection tightened up, Nuggets fouls began piling up and Los Angeles got here again from Denver’s big lead. In the meantime, Jokic grabbed solely 5 boards after halftime.
Jokic nonetheless completed with 34 factors, 21 rebounds and 14 assists. Not surprisingly, that is the primary 34/21/14 line in a playoff sport since 1965, if not all-time.
