NBA MVP Jokic sets unwanted history as Denver Nuggets thrashed by 45 points

Nikola Jokic leads Denver Nuggets to historic victory, Stephen A. Smith's prediction goes wrong, Luka Doncic jokes with Charles Barkley.

Nikola Jokic etched his name in the record books after a resounding 115-70 defeat yesterday. The Denver Nuggets were just one win away from securing a spot in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs with the advantage of playing at home. This loss brought back memories of Hall of Famer Bob Pettit, whose St. Louis Hawks suffered a humiliating 133-75 defeat to the Minneapolis Lakers.

Reflecting on the game, Jokic admitted to NBA TV that the Nuggets were outplayed in every aspect of the match. Despite the crushing 45-point loss, Jokic maintained a cool demeanor and emphasized the need to learn from the defeat and strive to improve in the next game. His individual performance of 22 points, nine rebounds, and two assists was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing game for the Nuggets.

The series started with Denver trailing 0-2, prompting renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith to make a bold prediction on First Take, suggesting that the Nuggets were on the verge of being swept by the Timberwolves. However, Denver bounced back with three consecutive wins, proving Smith's prediction wrong. The turnaround in the series left Smith acknowledging his error and feeling embarrassed by his earlier assessment.

As the series progresses, the stakes are high, with the winner set to face either the Dallas Mavericks or the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following a Game 5 victory, Mavericks' standout Luka Doncic couldn't resist poking fun at Charles Barkley for his premature prediction in favor of the Thunder. Doncic's playful jab at Barkley in the postgame interview added a lighthearted touch to the intense playoff atmosphere.

The unpredictable nature of the NBA playoffs keeps fans on the edge of their seats, with unexpected outcomes and thrilling performances defining each game. As the competition heats up, the players and teams must remain focused, resilient, and prepared to face any challenge that comes their way on the road to the championship.