Watch: Nikola Jokic goes coast-to-coast as part of 18-point third quarter
Nikola Jokic took over during the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals with 18 points. His final field goal of the quarter came when he went coast-to-coast to give the Nuggets an 82-75 lead over the Heat.
Jokic dribbled up-court with his left hand, fending off Cody Zeller in defense before making the bucket in traffic. Not bad for a 6-foot-11, 284-pound center.
The two-time MVP had 31 points through three quarters but it was his coast-to-coast score that drew the biggest reaction online.
With his incredible effort, Jokic made history as the first center in NBA history to score 500 or more points and record 100 or more assists in a single postseason.
ESPN Stats & Info expanded on his historic 2023 postseason, noting he's one of three players in league history to record 500 points, 200 rebounds and 150 assists in a single postseason.
While Jokic was hot, the Nuggets failed to capitalize on his big night with an easy Game 2 win. Instead, Miami stormed back in the fourth, at one point leading by as many as 12 before squeaking out a 111-108 win.
Jokic finished with 41 points and 11 rebounds but only four assists, far below his postseason average entering the game of 10.5 assists per game.
His blistering third quarter looked like a knockout punch — not many teams could withstand an 18-point quarter from Jokic. But it's easier to win when Jokic isn't also carving defenses with his passing.
As great as he was to watch — particularly in the third — Miami will also gladly take a few more big quarters from Jokic this series if it means it keeps the rest of the Nuggets quiet.
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