SUMMARY
- Nikola Jokic recorded a near triple-double while leading the Nuggets to a Game 3 win against the Wolves.
- The 3x MVP had a hilarious analysis over the Nuggets Game 3 performance.
Winning the MVP once or twice is a huge deal, but winning it for the third time is something not many NBA players have been able to achieve. The Denver Nuggets’ leader, Nikola Jokic proudly boasts three MVPs now, becoming one of the very few who earned it during their career.
Ahead of Game 3, Jokic expressed how he felt about winning the accolade once again by saying, “When I won the first one, I was like, ‘Yeah, okay it’s a big deal. But it’s okay.’ When I won a second one, the number of people [who won twice] was really short.”
He added, “And now when I saw the names of the [people] now, it’s really short. [I’m] probably proud of it. What’s going to keep me motivated, to be honest, the only time that we won a championship, I was not MVP. So, maybe winning [the] championship is more important.” This was exactly what coach Michael Malone repeatedly told the Nuggets during Game 3, to act like champions. Somehow, it brought the best out of them as well.
Nikola Jokic reveals what the Nuggets did right against the Timberwolves in Game 3
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets had a poor start to the Western Conference Semifinals going 0-2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. Game 3 was a must-win and so is their upcoming matchup at the Target Center in a few days. Jokic spoke to ESPN following the game to address various things they did differently in Game 3 to secure a dominant 117-90 win.
The 3x MVP’s answer had everybody laughing as he said, “Cross the half-court in 2-3 seconds.” Jokic claimed that playing at a much higher tempo helped them produce better numbers. After a cutthroat first quarter, the Nuggets maintained a double-digit for the rest of the game. Interestingly, Anthony Edwards was held under 20 points, while the rest of his squad scored under 15 points. Only three other Wolves players score in double figures.
Michael Malone spots a huge hole in the Timberwolves’ game
Game 3 was the first time the Timberwolves were held under 100 points and the Nuggets were able to achieve it in a dominant fashion. Coach Malone is extremely proud about one thing, it’s limiting the Wolves’ points average from 118 to 106. He said, “I told our team before tonight’s game, they’re only averaging 106 points a game against us. I mean, they averaged 118 in the first round against Phoenix.”
He noted that the Nuggets were playing much better defense while their offense had taken a dip. “It’s our offense fellas. We have to have a physicality on offense as well we have to attack, we have to screen, we have to hit on both ends. So yes, I do think we had a hit-first mentality tonight.” The Nuggets starters all scored in double figures while three of them accumulated over 20 points. Jokic finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.