NBA – After their huge duel, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives his thoughts on Nikola Jokic

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

In a potentially decisive Game 5 between the Nuggets and Thunder, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went head-to-head. Finally victorious (105-112), the Canadian guard took the opportunity to vent his feelings about his prestigious victim.

As has been the case since the start of this thrilling series, both sides had to have their hearts in their mouths. The Nuggets and Thunder once again waited until the money-time of Game 5 to decide the winner. It has to be said that the two main stars of this match, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, did everything in their power to give their team victory. Particularly the pivot, author of this crazy banderille :

NIKOLA JOKIC CIRCUS 3 pic.twitter.com/QVEw1m3MBU

— Justin Chen (@chen_justin_) May 14, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander raves about Nikola Jokic

Jokic gave his all to win this crucial encounter. However, his 44 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists were not enough to prevent a cruel defeat for his team (105-112). Shai was not to be outdone in the opposing camp, racking up 31 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. All the while, he showed himself to be a good sport afterwards, greeting his Serbian counterpart in the press conference:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Above anything else, he’s a very intelligent person. I think that’s what gives him an edge over other players. He constantly manipulates the game and is always one step ahead of the action. He’s equally adept at reading opposing defences and attacks. His intelligence is very high and he always uses it to good effect.

Impressed by the Joker’s game intelligence and basketball IQ, APG can be even prouder to have beaten him in recent hours. After all, all they need is one more win to eliminate him and advance to the Western Conference Finals. As for Denver, there’s no question of blaming the three-time MVP. Jamal Murray defended him and took responsibility for the defeat:

Jamal Murray: I don’t think we can criticize him, given that he’s still playing at an All-NBA, MVP and future Hall of Fame level. (…) If you’re looking for someone to blame, I don’t think I shot well enough today. I also lost a few balls stupidly, and perhaps I should have taken control of the attack at the end of the game so that we were better organized.