Shaquille O'Neal was all-praise for Nikola Jokic after he logged an impressive triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 104-93 win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Jokic only took one shot in the first quarter and three shots in the first half of the game. Still, he was in complete control the whole time, putting his teammates in positions to step up and make shots.
"He's the true definition of letting the game come to you. This guy is super impressive as a big man, and I'm happy I got to see him live," said Shaq in his post-game analysis.
This was not an easy game for the Serbian as he fended off a ferocious adversary in Bam Adebayo. Despite the Miami Heat big man attacking the rim at every opportunity, Jokic registered 27 points, 14 assists, ten rebounds, and a block while keeping himself out of foul trouble.
Jokic's Finals debut was so impressive that Shaq, who is notorious for criticizing today's NBA big centers, inducted the 28-year-old into The Big Man Alliance.
"One last thing, I don't give a lot of props to a lot of big guys, but I give you all the props in the world, brother. Very, very, very, impressive to watch," O'Neal said.
Jokic became only the second player since LeBron James to tally more than 10 points and 10 assists in the first half of an NBA Finals game. The only difference is that 'The King' achieved this feat in his 42nd Finals appearance, whereas 'The Joker' did it in his Finals debut.
Erik Spoelstra and Miami Heat had no answer for the Nuggets in the series opener last night. None of their defensive strategies work, for most of the night, despite playing a box 1, zone, and man-to-man defense on the big man.
The Heat will sure make some adjustments come Game 2. But if Jokic continues to display the same level of dominance throughout the rest of the Finals, Miami will have no chance to bounce back.