Author: Monojit Mandal
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, led a joyful procession through downtown Denver yesterday to celebrate the team’s first NBA title. Jokic climbed onto a fire truck with his teammates, including Jamal Murray, and his loving family, proudly presenting the NBA trophy.
The celebratory occasion was full of unforgettable moments, including Jokic’s young daughter Ognjena, who stole the show sitting in front of her father on the fire truck. She even wore Jokic’s title cap at times, while he deftly shielded her from the champagne rain.
The Denver Nuggets waited patiently for this moment, having played in the NBA for 47 seasons before finally taking home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The parade route was packed with enthusiastic spectators, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Interestingly, Jokic initially stated that he would prefer to return home to Sombor, Serbia, rather than take part in the parade. However, he changed his mind and participated fully in the celebration, showing his joy and gratitude to the screaming masses.
Unfortunately, two terrible accidents ruined the march. A fire truck hit a police officer at the end of the parade, causing significant leg injuries. The officer was in serious but stable condition, according to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. Later that day, a shooting occurred in downtown Denver, injuring two people. The authorities, however, believe that the event had nothing to do with celebrating the victory. This comes on the heels of another mass shooting that occurred after the Nuggets won the championship earlier this week, which is believed to have been the result of a botched drug deal.
The Denver Nuggets’ run in the tournament was spectacular, ending with a Game 5 win against the Miami Heat in the finals. They finished the postseason with a record of 16 wins and four losses, tied for the second-best performance by an NBA champion since the best-of-seven format was introduced in 2003. The identical record was achieved by the San Antonio Spurs in 2007, while the Golden State Warriors triumphed with a 16-1 record in 2017.