Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night. Jokic, who posted 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists, spoke candidly about his performance and the pivotal role of his teammates.
In a postgame interview, Jokic highlighted Aaron Gordon’s crucial contributions, calling him “the best” of his top five teammates. Jokic praised Gordon for his clutch performance, including big free throws and a crucial box-out on Alex Caruso. “He’s the soul of this team,” Jokic said, acknowledging Gordon’s quiet leadership despite not always receiving the respect he deserves. “He knows what he’s doing, and I’m happy for him.”
The MVP finalist also reflected on the experience and composure the Nuggets showed, especially during the chaotic final moments. Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, Denver exploded for 71 points in the second half. Jokic emphasized how the team’s experience helped them stick to their game plan. “We know how to at least get the shot that we want, even against a team playing great defense,” he explained.
When asked about the challenging moments in the game, Jokic discussed how the team managed adversity, including his own foul trouble and the crowd’s energy. “It’s a game of runs,” Jokic said. “We know they’re going to make runs, but we have to stay organized and not lose composure.”
In a humorous moment, Jokic addressed the “free throw merchant” chants from the Oklahoma City crowd. “To be honest, I didn’t hear that, but that’s kind of funny,” he said with a laugh. Jokic’s ability to stay unfazed by hostile environments has been honed through his experiences in Serbia, where he played in small gyms filled with passionate fans.
Jokic also shared his thoughts on the Nuggets’ chemistry, especially during tough in-game conversations. “We are just telling the truth and accepting it,” he said, emphasizing that the team’s collective goal is always to win.
As for the game’s defense, Jokic noted that the Thunder’s aggressive play caused him some trouble, with multiple blocked shots and steals. However, he remained aggressive and did what he could to stay effective on the court.
The Nuggets’ victory in Game 1 sets the tone for the rest of the series, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday night in Oklahoma City.
