In just a single game, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have cemented their place in NBA history alongside legends such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy.
Murray's 10 assists and Jokic's 14 in the same game have earned them a spot in NBA Finals history as only the third pair of teammates to achieve this feat. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen accomplished it three times, while Magic Johnson and James Worthy did it twice.
To put it in perspective, Jordan and Pippen played 35 Finals games together, and Johnson and Worthy also played in 35. Murray and Jokic achieved this milestone in just one game.
The dynamic duo contributed to an impressive 87 of the Nuggets' 104 points, showcasing their dominance throughout the postseason. They also became only the third pair of players to score 25 points, record 10 assists, and grab five rebounds in their NBA Finals debut, joining Russell Westbrook and Michael Jordan.
The Nuggets have been a force in the playoffs, facing significant challenges mainly in the second round against the Suns. If Murray and Jokic continue their unstoppable performance, it would solidify their remarkable postseason and make a resounding statement of their dominance.
Which pairs of NBA teammates have achieved double-digit assists in the NBA Finals?
Jokic and Murray have now joined three other pairs of NBA teammates who have recorded 10 or more assists in an NBA Finals game.
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen accomplished this feat three times during their championship runs with the Chicago Bulls, achieving it over the course of 35 Finals games. They reached this milestone in Game 2 of the 1991 Finals, as well as Games 1 and 2 of the 1992 Finals.
Magic Johnson and James Worthy also achieved the feat twice, with those games being the only two instances in which Worthy recorded 10 or more assists in the postseason. These games occurred in Game 1 of 1987 and Game 7 of 1988.
While it is not out of the realm of possibility for Murray and Jokic to challenge Jordan and Pippen's record in this series, it should be noted that this is the first time during this postseason that both Jokic and Murray have recorded 10 or more assists in the same game.
NBA players have made an impressive NBA Finals debut by achieving the stat line of at least 25 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds
In a remarkable feat, the Denver Nuggets' dynamic duo, Murray and Jokic, have joined a select group of players in an exclusive club. Alongside Russell Westbrook and Michael Jordan, they are the only players to achieve the impressive stat line of 25 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in their NBA Finals debut. This exceptional performance highlights the impact they made in their first appearance on the grandest stage of basketball, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.
The overwhelming praise for Jokic and Murray is derived solely from their performance in Game 1, and it does not bode well for the Miami Heat. The main concern heading into this series was how the Heat would be able to effectively contain the formidable duo of Murray and Jokic and limit their impact on the game.
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