For the first time in the history of the Denver Nuggets, they can officially call themselves NBA Champions. After ousting the Miami Heat 94-89 in game 5 of the series, the Nuggets squeaked out a win to put to bed the Heat’s improbable run. What a night it was for the champs. What a night it was for Canada.
See also: House always wins: Vegas Golden Knights crowned kings
MVP
The Nuggets, led by the unstoppable Serbian, Nikola Jokic, had a playoff run for the ages. He was the first player to record over 500 points, 250 rebounds and 150 assists in a single posteason. The ‘Joker’, as he’s often referred to, won the Bill Russell Trophy which is awarded to the most valuable player (MVP) of the finals. Between the Larry O’Brien trophy, the Bill Russell Trophy, and the two MVP trophies he holds from 2021 and 2022, is it time to start considering the joker a bona fide hall of famer?
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Canadian Royalty
Not to be overshadowed, one could make a serious argument that the Denver Nuggets are not the Denver Nuggets without sharpshooter and leave his body on the court Canadian Jamal Murray. The Kitchener native had an incredible post-season putting up astronomical numbers and was clutch in all the right moments.
An incredibly focused and cerebral person, Jamal Murray is undoubtedly an elite player. Murray tore his ACL in 2021 against the Golden State Warriors, a moment that left him contemplating the long path back to the show. But his laser focus only fuelled him and not only came back, he came back stronger and better.
It’s a great time for Canadians in the NBA. As more athletes are drafted each year and making their mark, the game of basketball continues to grow in Canada. Last year saw Andrew Wiggins hoist the Larry O’Brien, this year we see Jamal Murray. Here’s hoping we see other Canadians, plural, continue this trend.
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