Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are cruising through the first round. Denver is up 3-0 against the Lakers, as they plan their second-straight sweep against them. Not only that but the Nuggets are 11-0 versus the men in purple and gold, being undefeated since December 2022. So far into the series, each Nugget has stepped up. Jamal Murray unleashed a game-winner to put Denver up 2-0 in Game 2. Jokic led the squad in Game 1 and Aaron Gordon dominated in the recent contest.
One can say that the Nuggets have developed each of their assets. Aaron Gordon found his home in Denver following his rough stint with the Magic. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the former Laker, has been more consistent since he arrived in Denver. Behind all this is the basketball genius, the Joker. Following a fantastic performance in Game 3, Gordon praised Jokic’s IQ, which made the game easier for all his teammates.
I mean Joker is a basketball genius. He's just a genius and happens to play basketball. So he makes the game very easy. When you think the game like that, the game unlocks. You know, you can see start seeing plays ahead. Two-three steps ahead, you can start to nuisance the game a lot and it just becomes, yeah just easier to play. Aaron Gordon at the post-game presser
Gordon finished the game with 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists in Game 3, whereas the Joker dropped 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists. Both players ended the game with great numbers, while also creating opportunities for their teammates. However, the 11-0 record versus LA stands out, and Jokic might have just shed some light on the same in his post-game interview.
Winning is a lifestyle for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets
The Nuggets finished the season the second seed with a record of 57-25. Jokic and company have been pretty confident heading into the playoffs and it all has to do with their mindset right from the start of the season. Nikola Jokic added to the same following the Game 3 win.
I think I said one time, winning is a lifestyle for us and we really enjoy, it's really good when you're winning and especially when you win a lot of games. Like everybody's happy, everybody wants to play, everybody's buying into the system so, winning I think is a lifestyle... Nikola Jokic said post-game
Denver is on track to their second sweep versus LA, as they will look forward to the second round very soon. The reigning champs will have a tougher competition following the first round.
Teams like the Wolves and the Clippers are a serious threat to the Nuggets, as they are coming in strong this postseason. It will be intriguing to see how far the Nuggets can go this year.
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