Shaquille O’Neal was all praise for Nikola Jokic after the Denver Nuggets’ recent loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series. Despite the defeat, Jokic’s performance was nothing short of sensational, and O’Neal was quick to acknowledge that.
"Nikola Jokic is the best center in the game. You heard it from me."
– Shaq š³š£ļø
Agree or disagree? pic.twitter.com/K1l8sIFMJA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2023
The Nuggets’ star player scored a remarkable 53 points, had 11 assists, and secured four rebounds in the 39 minutes he spent on the court. Even though the Nuggets were unable to secure a win, Jokic’s heroics almost led them to a victory. As a result, O’Neal went on to hail Jokic as the best center in the game during the halftime show on TNT.
Nikola Jokic tonight:
53 Points
11 Assists
4 Rebounds
66% FG
50% 3P pic.twitter.com/MOrDHXAOvp— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 8, 2023
O’Neal was impressed with Jokic’s command of the game and his ability to singlehandedly carry his team throughout the match. His praise for Jokic is significant, given that he is considered one of the most dominant centers in NBA history.
Centers with more than 50 points in a playoff game:
ā Wilt
ā JokicThatāt is. pic.twitter.com/BnN84uxyfX
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 8, 2023
Jokic’s incredible body of work over the past few seasons, with an average of over 26 points, 8.7 assists, and 9.5 rebounds, makes him one of the best players in the league. He also led the Nuggets to the #1 seed in the West this season, almost averaging a triple-double.
āNikola Jokic is the best center in the NBAā
– Shaq pic.twitter.com/R3n8bxofDv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 8, 2023
Although Jokic missed out on winning his third straight MVP award, O’Neal’s recognition is a worthy consolation prize. Jokic’s performance in Game 4 was exceptional, and O’Neal’s praise is well-deserved.
Shaquille O’Neal favorite Suns Level Series as Nuggets Struggle to Contain Durant and Booker
The Denver Nuggets faced a narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. Despite the Nuggets’ dependence on Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s performances proved too much to handle.
Durant and Booker scored 36 points each, with Booker adding 11 assists and six rebounds while Durant managed six assists and 11 rebounds. Landry Shamet also made a crucial contribution with 19 points. The Suns’ victory leveled the series at 2-2, and the Nuggets now face a challenging task in Game 5.
Jokic was supported by Jamal Murray, who scored 28 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon had underwhelming outings, scoring only 11 points each. Despite Jokic’s consistent performance in the playoffs, averaging 28 points, nine assists, and 11.3 rebounds, the Nuggets were unable to extend their lead in the series.
Jokic has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the championship with the Nuggets, making MVP awards and compliments secondary to his goal. However, the Serbian superstar’s involvement in an altercation with Suns owner Mat Ishbia may result in disciplinary action that could affect his availability for Game 5.
If Jokic escapes any punishment, he will be expected to lead his team to a victory in Denver and a 3-2 series lead.
