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Time of India
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Hall of Famer Declared Nikola Jokić a Basketball Genius: "He Thinks Like Magic and LeBron"
Jerry West (Image via Getty) In the rich history of basketball, few voices hold as much influence as Jerry West 's. A Hall of Famer famously known as 'The Logo,' West's legacy is etched not just in NBA lore but in the very silhouette of the league itself. When he speaks, especially on talent evaluation, the basketball community listens. And when it comes to Nikola Jokić, West's praise is not just enthusiastic—it's transformative. Jerry West's Praise for Nikola Jokic on Dave Wohl's Podcast During an appearance on Dave Wohl's Front Office podcast, West offered perhaps the highest compliment possible for Nikola Jokić , likening his basketball mind to that of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James , and Chris Paul. 'He thinks like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Chris Paul, LeBron James and he's seven feet tall,' West noted. Such a comparison is no small feat—it places the Denver Nuggets star among the cerebral giants of the sport. What separates Jokić from other big men is his ability to see the court with unparalleled clarity. His mind operates on a different level, identifying passing angles and opportunities in ways reminiscent of elite playmakers—only he's doing it from the center position. Jerry Stated taht Jokic has Magic in His Hands For West, Jokić's physical gifts are as impressive as his mental sharpness. One of his standout traits? His extraordinary hands. West emphasized how Jokić has what he believes to be 'the greatest pair of hands' in the game. Whether it's securing a rebound in the middle of chaos or threading a no-look pass from the post, Jokić's hand control makes the extraordinary seem routine. Describing Jokić's rebounding instincts, West said, 'He can be right in the middle of eight hands and somehow that ball comes out in his hands.' It's a blend of finesse, anticipation, and touch that allows him to dominate without ever needing to out-jump or out-muscle opponents. Why Nikola Jokic is Redefining the Center Role Jerry West on his love for MMA, his pick to win NBA FINALS, and life after basketball Jokić is doing more than just excelling—he's reshaping the traditional definition of a center. Former NBA guard BJ Armstrong echoed this sentiment, calling Jokić a 'point-five'—a rare hybrid of point guard and center. 'He is the first five-man you can actually run your offense through,' Armstrong said, emphasizing how Jokić's court vision changes the offensive landscape. His passing game is a revelation. From initiating fast breaks to orchestrating half-court sets, Jokić doesn't just participate in the offense—he runs it. Armstrong marveled at how Jokić can rebound, dribble coast-to-coast, and make perfect reads in transition, something practically unheard of from players at his position. Mastering the Game with Grace Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Jokić's game is how effortlessly he seems to operate. West described watching Jokić as akin to watching someone 'playing in a hammock'—relaxed, composed, and always in control. It's not that Jokić overwhelms with speed or strength. Rather, he charms the audience with his feel for the game. BJ Armstrong aptly captured this quality by saying, 'He doesn't move fast, he doesn't jump high, he's not quick, but he is charming.' That charm translates into numbers—stat lines that often include double-digit rebounds and assists, with scoring sprinkled in effortlessly. West Touched on Nikola's Championship Brilliance Jokić's greatness was cemented during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where he led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship. His dominance in the Finals, capped by a Finals MVP award, silenced any remaining skepticism. For West, the title wasn't just a win—it was a validation of Jokić's unorthodox brilliance. That playoff run reinforced the idea that basketball IQ and skill can win just as effectively as speed and athleticism. Jokić proved that understanding the game on a deeper level is often more impactful than flashy plays or highlight reels. How Nikola Jokić is Shaping the Future West's admiration for Nikola Jokić also hints at where basketball might be headed. Much like Stephen Curry changed how the game is played by extending shooting range, Jokić is ushering in a new era for centers—one where intelligence, vision, and versatility are prioritized over pure athleticism. As teams look to develop future stars, Jokić's model may become the standard. Big men will no longer be judged solely on how high they jump or how well they defend the rim but on how well they can think the game, pass, and lead from any position on the floor. Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers Re-Sign Randy Mims, Reinforcing Ties to LeBron James and a Legacy of Loyalty Nikola Jokić has quietly sparked a revolution—not with brashness or bold proclamations, but with a calm dominance that's changing how we view the modern NBA. Jerry West sees it clearly: Jokić isn't just great. He's transformative. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Economic Times
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Pacers vs Thunder: Live streaming, date, time and other details of Game 7 of NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 108-91 victory, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the NBA Finals. The series is now tied 3-3, with the Thunder hosting the final game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive scoring season places him alongside Elgin Baylor in NBA history as they head into the final match. This year's NBA Finals will mark just the second time the championship series concludes on June 22. The only other instance came in 1994, when the Houston Rockets edged the New York Knicks in a dramatic Game 7. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads WHERE TO WATCH GAME 7 OF THE NBA FINALS Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Indiana Pacers forced a winner-take-all Game 7 in the NBA Finals with a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, evening the series at championship will now be decided on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will have home-court will mark the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history, with home teams holding a 15-4 record in such contests. However, the most recent example saw the road team prevail - when the Cleveland Cavaliers famously defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 games of the NBA Finals can be watched live on ABC. Fans can also watch it on Fubo and 5 - Game 1, Indiana 111, Oklahoma City 110June 8 - Game 2, Oklahoma City 123, Indiana 107June 11 - Game 3, Indiana 116, Oklahoma City 107June 13 - Game 4, Oklahoma City 111, Indiana 104June 16 - Game 5, Oklahoma City 120, Indiana 109June 19 - Game 6, Indiana 108, Oklahoma City 91June 22 - Game 7, Indiana at Oklahoma City 8pm ETThis year's NBA Finals will mark just the second time the championship series concludes on June 22. The only other instance came in 1994, when the Houston Rockets edged the New York Knicks in a dramatic Game City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to etch his name into the record books. With 3,143 combined points from the regular season and playoffs, he is now tied with Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor's 1962-63 campaign for the 14th-highest single-season scoring total in NBA history.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Pacers vs Thunder: Live streaming, date, time and other details of Game 7 of NBA Finals
WHERE TO WATCH GAME 7 OF THE NBA FINALS Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Indiana Pacers forced a winner-take-all Game 7 in the NBA Finals with a commanding 108-91 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, evening the series at championship will now be decided on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder will have home-court will mark the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history, with home teams holding a 15-4 record in such contests. However, the most recent example saw the road team prevail - when the Cleveland Cavaliers famously defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 games of the NBA Finals can be watched live on ABC. Fans can also watch it on Fubo and 5 - Game 1, Indiana 111, Oklahoma City 110June 8 - Game 2, Oklahoma City 123, Indiana 107June 11 - Game 3, Indiana 116, Oklahoma City 107June 13 - Game 4, Oklahoma City 111, Indiana 104June 16 - Game 5, Oklahoma City 120, Indiana 109June 19 - Game 6, Indiana 108, Oklahoma City 91June 22 - Game 7, Indiana at Oklahoma City 8pm ETThis year's NBA Finals will mark just the second time the championship series concludes on June 22. The only other instance came in 1994, when the Houston Rockets edged the New York Knicks in a dramatic Game City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to etch his name into the record books. With 3,143 combined points from the regular season and playoffs, he is now tied with Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor's 1962-63 campaign for the 14th-highest single-season scoring total in NBA history.
21-06-2025
- Sport
Thunder, Pacers set for winner-take-all game 7 in NBA Finals
Indiana Pacers (50-32, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT NBA FINALS: Series tied 3-3 BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in game seven of the NBA Finals. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 108-91 in the last matchup on Friday. Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 20 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21. The Thunder are 36-6 on their home court. Oklahoma City ranks sixth in the league averaging 14.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.4% from downtown. Isaiah Joe leads the team averaging 2.6 makes while shooting 41.2% from 3-point range. The Pacers have gone 21-20 away from home. Indiana has a 22-15 record against opponents over .500. The Thunder are shooting 48.2% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points higher than the 47.4% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers average 13.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 fewer makes per game than the Thunder give up. TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Williams is shooting 48.4% and averaging 21.6 points for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.9 points over the last 10 games. Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 17.0 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 113.3 points, 40.8 rebounds, 20.0 assists, 10.3 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game. Pacers: 5-5, averaging 110.4 points, 40.3 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 9.9 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points. INJURIES: Thunder: Nikola Topic: out for season (acl).
Winnipeg Free Press
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Thunder, Pacers set for winner-take-all game 7 in NBA Finals
Indiana Pacers (50-32, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14, first in the Western Conference) Oklahoma City; Sunday, 8 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Thunder -7.5; over/under is 215 NBA FINALS: Series tied 3-3 BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in game seven of the NBA Finals. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 108-91 in the last matchup on Friday. Obi Toppin led the Pacers with 20 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21. The Thunder are 36-6 on their home court. Oklahoma City ranks sixth in the league averaging 14.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 37.4% from downtown. Isaiah Joe leads the team averaging 2.6 makes while shooting 41.2% from 3-point range. The Pacers have gone 21-20 away from home. Indiana has a 22-15 record against opponents over .500. The Thunder are shooting 48.2% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points higher than the 47.4% the Pacers allow to opponents. The Pacers average 13.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 fewer makes per game than the Thunder give up. TOP PERFORMERS: Jalen Williams is shooting 48.4% and averaging 21.6 points for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.9 points over the last 10 games. Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 17.0 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 113.3 points, 40.8 rebounds, 20.0 assists, 10.3 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game. Pacers: 5-5, averaging 110.4 points, 40.3 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 9.9 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.8 points. INJURIES: Thunder: Nikola Topic: out for season (acl). Pacers: Isaiah Jackson: out for season (calf), Jarace Walker: day to day (ankle). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
