How Jokic and Butler are leading their teams to the 2023 NBA Finals

The Jokic vs Butler NBA Finals 2023 are finally here, and it’s a showdown between two teams that have defied all expectations and odds. The Denver Nuggets, led by the unstoppable Nikola Jokic, are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and have swept their way through the playoffs. The Miami Heat, led by the fearless Jimmy Butler, are the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and have overcome several obstacles to reach their seventh Finals appearance.

Both Jokic and Butler have been dominant in their respective roles, and they will be the main focus of this series. How will they perform on the biggest stage of their careers? How will they match up against each other? Who will emerge as the champion? Let’s take a closer look at how they have performed so far and what to expect from them in the Finals. Furthermore Jokic vs Butler in the NBA Finals should be a good show.

Jokic: The selfless superstar

Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of amazing in these playoffs. He has averaged 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game, while shooting 56.7% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range. He has recorded nine triple-doubles, the most in a single postseason since Magic Johnson in 1988.

Jokic is not only a scoring machine, but also a playmaking wizard. He has been the primary ball-handler for the Nuggets, initiating their offense and finding his teammates with pinpoint passes. He has also been clutch in crunch time, hitting several big shots to seal games.

Jokic is the engine that makes the Nuggets run, and he has done it with a humble and unselfish attitude. He has praised his teammates for their contributions, and he has shown respect for his opponents. He has also displayed a sense of humor and a fun-loving personality that has endeared him to fans and media alike.

“Jokic is a special player,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. “He’s one of those guys that makes everybody around him better. He’s a joy to coach. He’s a joy to watch.”

Jokic is arguably the best center in the league right now, and he will face a tough challenge in the Finals against the Heat’s versatile and physical frontcourt. He will need to continue his stellar play and leadership to lead the Nuggets to their first NBA title.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Jokic delivered another masterful performance, posting a triple-double of 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in a 104-93 win over the Heat. He became the second player with a triple-double in their Finals debut (the other being Jason Kidd in 2002), and he already has 10 triple-doubles this postseason.

Can Jokic become the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002 to win both MVP and Finals MVP awards? Can he lead the Nuggets to their first championship in franchise history? Can he cement his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time?

Butler: The fearless leader

Jimmy Butler has been the heart and soul of the Heat this season. He has averaged 28.5 points, 7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in the playoffs, while shooting 49.6% from the field and 86.4% from the free-throw line. He has also been a defensive menace, averaging 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

Butler is not only a two-way star, but also a vocal leader who sets the tone for the Heat’s culture. He has instilled a sense of confidence and toughness in his teammates, and he has challenged them to play at their best level. He has also been supportive and encouraging of his younger teammates, such as Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

Butler is not afraid of any challenge or any opponent. He has proven that he can carry his team to victory against higher-seeded teams, such as the Bucks and the Celtics. He has also shown that he can go toe-to-toe with some of the best players in the league, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.

“I don’t care about stats,” Butler said after Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. “I don’t care about accolades. I don’t care about anything but winning. That’s what I’m here for.”

Butler is one of the most competitive and passionate players in the league right now, and he will face his biggest test yet in the Finals against the Nuggets’ potent offense. He will need to continue his stellar play and leadership to lead the Heat to their fourth NBA title.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Butler struggled to find his rhythm, scoring 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting, with six rebounds and four assists. He also had four turnovers and fouled out with 2:28 left in the fourth quarter. He was guarded mostly by Aaron Gordon, who used his size, athleticism and energy to slow him down.

Can Butler bounce back from his poor performance and lead his team to a comeback? Can he become the first player since LeBron James in 2016 to lead his team to a championship as an eighth seed? Can he become the first player since Dirk Nowitzki in 2011 to win a title without another All-Star on his team? Can he prove that he is one of the best players in the league and silence his critics?

Who might be a surprise player for these epic Jokic vs Butler NBA Finals 2023 games

While Jokic and Butler are undoubtedly the stars of this series, there are also some other players who might have a significant impact on the outcome. Here are some potential surprise players for each team:

Denver Nuggets: Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was acquired by the Nuggets at the trade deadline, and he has been a valuable addition to their lineup. He has averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game in the playoffs, while shooting 54% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Gordon is not only a scoring threat, but also a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. He has been assigned to some of the best players in the league, such as Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James, and he has held his own against them.

Gordon is a key piece for the Nuggets’ success, and he might be a surprise player in the Finals. He will likely match up with Jimmy Butler, and he will need to use his size, athleticism and energy to slow him down. He will also need to provide some scoring and spacing for the Nuggets’ offense.

“Aaron has been great for us,” Jokic said after Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. “He brings a lot of energy and defense. He can also make shots and cut to the basket. He’s a very smart player.”

In Game 1 of the Finals, Gordon was instrumental in limiting Butler’s impact, as he held him to 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting. Gordon also contributed 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, with four rebounds and two steals.

Miami Heat: Kendrick Nunn

Kendrick Nunn has been a revelation for the Heat this season. He has averaged 14.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in the playoffs, while shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

Nunn is not only a scoring threat, but also a reliable ball-handler who can run the offense and create for others. He has also been a solid defender who can pressure the ball and disrupt passing lanes.

Nunn is a key piece for the Heat’s success, and he might be a surprise player in the Finals. He will likely match up with Jamal Murray, and he will need to use his quickness, aggressiveness and confidence to challenge him. He will also need to provide some scoring and playmaking for the Heat’s offense.

“Kendrick is a fearless player,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. “He’s not afraid of the moment or the competition. He’s always ready to step up and make plays.”

In Game 1 of the Finals, Nunn was one of the few bright spots for the Heat, as he scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting, with four rebounds and three assists. He was also one of the few players who could keep up with Murray’s speed and handle.

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Sources and refrences for Jokic vs Butler NBA Finals 2023 gotdemcards home of #thehobbyfamily

1. cbssports.com2. msn.com3. nba.com4. theathletic.com