The Serbian superstar shot an astonishing 18-for-23 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range, putting on a clinic of efficiency and control. His performance came just one night after he went 16-for-19 against the Sacramento Kings, underscoring his dominant stretch.

NBA Community in Awe of Jokic’s Brilliance

The basketball world erupted in admiration following Jokic’s latest masterpiece. Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins called the performance “a gift to the game,” while Jamal Crawford echoed the sentiment, marveling at how Jokic makes the extraordinary look effortless.

Despite the Nuggets losing Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun to injuries in the first half and Jamal Murray struggling with his shot (5-for-16), Jokic carried the team seamlessly, putting the game out of reach by the third quarter.

Unstoppable Efficiency and Statistical Dominance

Through the Nuggets’ 9–2 start to the season, Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 1.8 steals, while shooting 68.4% from the field, 41.7% from three, and 85.9% from the free-throw line — all career highs.

The 55-point outburst marked Jokic’s fourth career 50+ point game, pushing him ahead of Shaquille O’Neal and leaving him behind only Wilt Chamberlain in that category among centers. Even more remarkable, he became the first player in NBA history to average a 35-point triple-double while shooting 60% or better over a six-game span.

According to advanced metrics, his 91.5% true shooting percentage ranks as the third-most efficient 55+ point game ever, trailing only Stephen Curry and James Harden.

Clippers Caught Off Guard by Jokic’s Scoring Explosion

After the game, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue admitted that his team had planned to limit Jokic’s passing options to neutralize Denver’s ball movement — but the strategy backfired. “We wanted to take away his playmaking,” Lue said. “We just didn’t expect him to score like that.”

The Evolving Legacy of Nikola Jokic

Jokic’s latest performance adds fuel to an already heated debate about his standing among the game’s greatest centers. Analysts and former players have begun mentioning his name alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain.

“Jokic is rewriting what it means to be a dominant big man,” Perkins said. “He’s the ultimate hybrid of power, skill, and IQ.”

As Denver seeks to defend its 2023 NBA Championship, Jokic’s all-around brilliance continues to anchor their success. With performances like this, it’s hard to argue against his growing claim to a place among the all-time greats — and perhaps a second Larry O’Brien Trophy by season’s end.

Source: AP News – NBA world marvels at Nikola Jokic as he surpasses Shaquille O’Neal on all-time list: “Joker is a gift to the game!!”

The post Nikola Jokic Surpasses Shaquille O’Neal on All-Time List After 55-Point Game: “Joker Is a Gift to the Game” appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

The Indiana Pacers are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in decades, riding high after knocking out the New York Knicks in a thrilling six-game Eastern Conference Finals. And while the team effort has been undeniable, one player stood out — Pascal Siakam.

Siakam, who joined the Pacers mid-season, was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP after a standout performance. Over six games, he averaged 24.8 points on an efficient 52.4% shooting, playing a key role in dismantling New York’s defense.

But in a moment that revealed both humility and heart, Siakam downplayed his own spotlight during his MVP acceptance speech.

“I know I’m not the guy everyone’s going to talk about, and I really don’t care,” Siakam said. “I’m just a kid from Cameroon who came to the U.S. at 18 and gave everything to this game. I just work every day. I don’t cheat the work.”

It was an emotional and refreshingly candid moment from the three-time All-Star — one that clearly resonated with fans and teammates alike.

Since arriving in Indiana, Siakam has brought more than just points and rebounds. He’s brought leadership, a winning mentality, and a calm presence to a team that’s grown closer with each game.

“It’s been such an amazing experience for me so far,” Siakam shared. “From the first day I landed here, the love has been amazing.”

Now, with the Pacers preparing to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, Siakam’s impact will be needed more than ever. Game 1 tips off Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

This Finals appearance marks a major turnaround for Indiana — a team that’s come together at just the right time. And whether or not Siakam considers himself “the guy,” he’s exactly the kind of player every championship team needs.

More Pacers Headlines:

• Surprising East Rival Reportedly Expected to Pursue Pacers’ Myles Turner
• Pacers Star Named ‘Face of NBA’ by Unexpected Source
• Gilbert Arenas Takes Major Shot at Pacers Star Amid Playoffs

Source: SI – Pacers’ Pascal Siakam Admits ‘I’m Not The Guy’ During MVP Speech

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Just one day after being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed exactly why he earned the honor, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 118-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Before tip-off, Gilgeous-Alexander received the Michael Jordan Trophy in front of a roaring OKC crowd. By the end of the night, he had tied his playoff career high with 38 points, along with eight assists and three steals. It marked his fifth consecutive playoff game with at least 30 points.

“It felt really good,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “My emotions were high, I was a little too juiced up at the start. But this was a special moment.”

Team Effort Fuels Thunder’s Surge

While SGA stole the spotlight, it was a full-team effort that put the Thunder up 2-0 in the series. Rising star Jalen Williams contributed a stellar 26 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, continuing his postseason breakout. Rookie center Chet Holmgren also made a major impact, scoring 22 points and grabbing four boards.

The game remained tight through the first half, but just like in Game 1, OKC erupted in the third quarter. A crucial 14-2 run broke the game open and gave the Thunder a lead that swelled to 24 points. Although Minnesota clawed back to within 10 in the fourth, the Thunder never let them get closer.

T-Wolves Show Fight, But Fall Short Again

Anthony Edwards responded to his own call for more aggressiveness after Game 1, doubling his shot attempts and finishing with 32 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker—SGA’s cousin—chipped in 17 off the bench.

But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Thunder’s momentum. Julius Randle had his first off night of the postseason, managing just six points on 2-of-11 shooting.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch pointed to a poor close to the first half as a turning point.

“If we close the half better, we don’t put ourselves on such a razor’s edge in the third,” Finch said. “Missed shots and turnovers gave them the runway they needed.”

Looking Ahead: Game 3 in Minnesota

The series now shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Saturday. The Timberwolves have lost just once at home in their last 10 games and hold a 4-1 home record in this postseason.

“We’re going to fight for Game 3,” said Finch. “Heads up, look at the tape, and get ready.”

With the Thunder firing on all cylinders and Gilgeous-Alexander playing the best basketball of his life, the pressure is on Minnesota to respond.

Source: CNN – Newly-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City Thunder to dominant Game 2 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially joined basketball royalty.

The Oklahoma City Thunder star was crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday — marking not only his first MVP award but also the seventh consecutive year that a non-U.S.-born player has claimed the honor. The 25-year-old Canadian guard led the Thunder to the league’s best record and etched his name in history by becoming just the second Canadian ever to win the MVP, following in the footsteps of Steve Nash.

A Historic Season for SGA and the Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander put together an extraordinary season:

• Averaged 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game
• Led OKC to a 68-14 record, best in the league
• Thunder posted a +12.9 point differential, the largest in NBA history

The MVP race came down to Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, with each receiving 71 and 29 first-place votes respectively. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo finished third in the voting.

Rising Above the Competition

Despite fierce competition from Jokic — who averaged a triple-double with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists — it was Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent dominance and leadership that gave him the edge.

“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,” SGA said during the announcement on TNT. “You try to block it out during the season, but it’s always there in the back of your mind.”

He also becomes the first guard to win MVP since James Harden in 2018.

Confidence Fueled the Run

Thunder teammate Kenrich Williams praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s confidence, calling it his most valuable trait. “It’s not just about what he believes in himself. It’s how he lifts everyone around him.”

That belief translated into results. Gilgeous-Alexander went from fifth in MVP voting two years ago, to second last year behind Jokic, to finally taking the top spot this season.

“I wanted to flip the narrative this year,” he said. “And I think I did just that.”

A Continued Streak for International MVPs

The MVP win by Gilgeous-Alexander continues a remarkable trend:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece/Nigeria): 2019, 2020
• Nikola Jokic (Serbia): 2021, 2022, 2024
• Joel Embiid (Cameroon/USA): 2023
• Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada): 2025

Together, they’ve built a new era of global dominance in the NBA.

Other MVP Vote Leaders

• 4th: Jayson Tatum (Boston)
• 5th: Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
• 6th: LeBron James (Lakers) – 20th time receiving MVP votes
• Tied 7th: Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
• 9th: Stephen Curry (Golden State)
• Tied 10th: James Harden, Jalen Brunson, Evan Mobley

Other NBA Awards Highlights This Season

• Coach of the Year: Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland)
• Most Improved Player: Dyson Daniels (Atlanta)
• Rookie of the Year: Stephon Castle (San Antonio)
• Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley (Cleveland)
• Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson (New York)
• Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard (Boston)
• Teammate of the Year: Stephen Curry (Warriors)
• Hustle Award: Draymond Green (Warriors)
• Executive of the Year: Sam Presti (Thunder)
• Sportsmanship & Social Justice Awards: Jrue Holiday (Boston)

Bottom Line:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win caps off a stunning season for both him and the Thunder, while continuing a dominant international run in one of basketball’s most prestigious honors. From Ontario to NBA stardom, SGA is redefining greatness — with confidence, consistency, and a global spotlight.

Source: AP News – Gilgeous-Alexander voted as the NBA’s MVP, continuing run of international players winning the award

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