Once again, Nikola Jokic had an absolutely stellar postseason game.
Jokic became the first player in league history to record a 30-point, 20-rebound triple-double during the NBA Finals. But far more important to the two-time MVP is that the Nuggets defeated the Heat on the road in Miami, giving Denver a 2-1 advantage in the series.
Although he is not one to ever celebrate his own individual greatness, during his walk-off interview, the big man was asked what it meant for him to have such an unbelievable performance in Game 3. His answer perfectly captured exactly how he views the game of basketball.
"To be honest, not much."
Nikola Jokic on his 30-20-10 performance in Game 3 and whether it means anything to him 😅pic.twitter.com/wXBl6JPd9E
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 8, 2023
Jokic said that candidly, it meant “not much” to record such an unreal game and stressed that the win was far more significant.
Then, during the postgame press conference, Jokic provided an even more elaborate answer.
“I don’t care. It’s just a stat.” 😅
Nikola Jokić on his 30-20-10 Game 3 performance pic.twitter.com/6sE6kChhWb
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 8, 2023
“To be honest, I think it’s just a win because if you lose nobody is going to even mention [it] … I don’t care. It’s just a stat.”
The casualness with which he delivered both of these answers is not surprising, but it is also nothing short of aspirational.
More reporters should take the advice of sportswriter Gordon Gross, who noted that Jokic typically provides much better answers when he is asked about his teammates than when he is asked about himself.
Free tip to anyone interviewing Nikola Jokic: ask him about his teammates, not himself, and the answers will be much better.
— Gordon Gross (@GMoneyNuggs) June 8, 2023
For example, Jokic was far more excited to discuss Denver rookie Christian Braun.
The big man said that Braun won the game “with energy, with focus, with mindset” for the Nuggets.
