Jamal Murray applauds Nikola Jokic's MVP mindset and unselfish play / News - Basketnews.com

Jamal Murray's frustration turned to admiration for Nikola Jokic's pass-first mentality: "Jok is the Finals MVP and rightfully so. He makes everybody connect and everybody wanna win, be unselfish."

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Denver Nuggets secured their first-ever NBA championship on Monday night by defeating the Miami Heat 94-89 in Game 5 and winning the series 4-1.

Player of the Game EFF 36 Nikola Jokic Points 28 Accuracy 12-16 Rebounds 16 Assists 4

Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic played pivotal roles in guiding their team to success throughout the playoffs, and they continued to shine in the NBA Finals. The dynamic duo combined for 42 points in Game 5.

In a post-game conference, Murray couldn't help but praise his teammate Jokic, who was named the NBA Finals MVP. Jokic's contributions throughout the series were outstanding, averaging 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game.

"I have seen a picture of Jok and Embiid running for the MVP, and Jok keeps running. I think that just speaks so much about what his mindset is like," Murray said.

"I got mad with him today in the game," the guard continued. "He just kept passing the ball. I hit him with the pocket [pass], he has a [open] floater, but he passes -- out of bounds, turnover. My bro, just shoot it. But that is just part of him. That is just his game. That is what makes us so good.

"Jok is the Finals MVP, and rightfully so. He makes everybody connect, and everybody wanna win, be unselfish. Down the line, everybody was so unselfish for us to get this done."

Jokic is the lowest-drafted player (41st overall, 2014) to win the Finals MVP, passing Dennis Johnson, who was drafted 29th overall in 1979, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Furthermore, the Serbian center joins an elite group of international players who have claimed the Finals MVP award, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Hakeem Olajuwon.

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