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Nikola Jokić hit a famous triple-double in the Denver Nuggets’ Game 3 win over the Miami Heat.
CNN –
It seems like Nikola Jokić makes history every night, and Game 3 of the NBA Finals was just another day in the office for the Denver Nuggets’ record-breaking star.
In the Nuggets’ 109-94 away win over the Miami Heat, Jokić became the first player ever to record 30-20-10 in the NBA Finals. But for the Joker, everything was the same as always.
“I don’t care. It’s just a statistic,” the Serb said of his performance after finishing the game with 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists.
Not only did Jokić make individual history, but alongside Jamal Murray, the duo also became the first teammates to drop both triple-doubles in an NBA Finals game. Murray had 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists while the guard lit the Heat from start to finish.
“I’ve been with Nikola for eight years now and Jamal for seven and we’ve had some pretty good moments but not in the NBA Finals,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. “No one has ever managed to make history like these guys did tonight. I mean, that’s the really great thing about it.”
Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra was also full of praise for the dynamic Denver duo.
“It’s a great duo. Their games really complement each other,” said Spoelstra on the historic evening. “You have a man who can really score in many different ways. Another guy who can do great screens or handovers and when the ball lands back on him he can involve a lot of people.”
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Jokić also made history alongside Jamal Murray – both dropping triple-doubles.
Game 3 started very evenly as both teams exchanged baskets in the first quarter. The Nuggets eventually took a five-point lead at halftime and had no regrets after seizing the initiative.
Malone’s team outplayed the Heat 29-20 in the third quarter, which proved crucial as Miami didn’t get back into the game.
Despite the Heat’s defeat, Miami fans would have been happy if Jimmy Butler had scored points. Butler has been the star of the Heat throughout the playoffs and his scoring will be crucial if Miami is to seek evenness again in Game 4.
“We feel great. We didn’t do our best tonight. I feel like we just have to come out with more energy and commitment and that’s fixable,” Butler said, remaining upbeat. “So get out there, bounce on the floor, get free balls, get defensive rebounds and maybe, just maybe, it would have been a different game.”
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Jimmy Butler scored 28 points in the Heat’s heavy loss in Game 4.
In addition to Jokić and Murray, it was also a memorable evening for Christian Braun. The rookie put on a show in Game 3 and finished the evening with 15 points on 7-8 shots.
“He’s just stayed ready all year, mentally, physically and emotionally,” Malone said of the 22-year-old. “This kid never gets too high and never gets too low. Very calm, cool and collected young man.”
Game 4 takes place on Friday, with the Heat attempting to even the series in front of their home crowd at Kaseya Center.