In a historic milestone, the Denver Nuggets secure their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. Initially doubtful of the Nuggets’ ability to compete for the championship, Lakers legend Magic Johnson had downplayed their potential in favor of his former team. However, the Nuggets accomplished a significant feat by becoming the first team to defeat the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena during the playoffs. This achievement appears to have swayed those who doubted Denver’s capability to contend for the championship.
Throughout the playoffs, the Nuggets have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, highlighted by the outstanding performances of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray on the offensive end. Despite not winning the MVP title, Jokic, often referred to as the Joker, appears resolute in his pursuit of the ultimate prize in the NBA.
Magic Johnson apologizes
With an illustrious history, the Los Angeles Lakers proudly hold the record for the most NBA Championship titles, owing much of their success to the legendary point guard, Magic Johnson. Initially skeptical about the Denver Nuggets’ potential to reach the pinnacle of the league, the five-time champion found himself compelled to offer an apology as Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets swept his former Lakers team in the playoffs.
Magic Johnson is thoroughly impressed by the dynamic pairing of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, whose relentless performances have caused significant disruption to opposing defenses. The Lakers faced difficulties in containing Jokic’s extraordinary playmaking abilities, ultimately resulting in their elimination from championship contention. Consequently, Magic firmly holds the belief that the Nuggets present a formidable challenge to either the Heat or the Celtics, the teams advancing from the Eastern Conference.
I have to apologize to the Denver Nuggets, they proved that they are a better and more talented team in their victory over the Lakers tonight. They put both teams in the Eastern Conference on notice that they are committed to winning a championship!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 21, 2023
Following the Lakers’ elimination in Game 4, once the commotion had subsided, Magic Johnson made yet another daring statement, this time regarding Nikola Jokic’s remarkable postseason performance, particularly against his former team.
Magic claims Jokic is changing basketball
According to Johnson, Jokic has firmly established himself as an all-time basketball great, revolutionizing the sport and placing himself on par with iconic figures such as Michael Jordan, Lakers legends like Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This perspective ignited a significant debate within basketball circles, prompting various reactions on Twitter. Here are a few responses:
Do you think when you played, lol Joker could have come across the lane 3 guys right there and been able to get off a shot cruising through the lane without a hard foul. How many of those hard fouls could he take. So, Joker is badass: range touch rebound tough but @NBA has made…
— Douglas Ray (@TheMarharaja) May 24, 2023
Is he, though?
— SL Myer ☮️ (@arctiger) May 24, 2023
he not changing the game, he changing the game plan where everything starts with him up top, usually it starts with the pg
— Mattie (@reshirm2) May 24, 2023
There was not a unanimous consensus regarding the viewpoint of the three-time MVP. Some individuals voiced their opinion, suggesting that either the competitiveness of the league has diminished or that Jokic does not belong in the same category as the players mentioned by Magic Johnson.
He is and he’s doing it without much fan fare.
ESPN and the talking heads would rather spend all day talking about anything else besides what Jokic is doing.
Thank you for this 🙏— Td (@Td00392420) May 24, 2023
Joker is the undisputed best player in the game the last 3 years
Don’t @ me— Jay Walton (@JayWalt16347662) May 24, 2023
Opinions vary on whether Jokic is revolutionizing the game, but many agree he has been the league’s top player for years. With a crucial role in Denver’s championship pursuit, it remains to be seen if he can overcome the challenge from the Eastern Conference champions and secure the Nuggets’ first NBA title.
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