DENVER, CO - JUNE 1: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 1, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Heat's Jimmy Butler Praises Nikola Jokić's 'Elite' Defense After Nuggets' Game 1 Win

Paul KasabianJun 3, 2023

Miami Heat superstar Jimmy Butler delivered high praise for Denver Nuggets center and two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić's defensive efforts in a chat with reporters on Saturday.

Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports relayed the remarks.

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Per Basketball-Reference, Jokić finished first in the league in defensive box plus-minus, 10th in defensive win shares and 12th in defensive rating.

He accomplished all that while being the best and most efficient offensive player in basketball. His 11.2 offensive win shares were also first in the NBA.

The Nuggets as a team also played great defense en route to a 104-93 win over Miami to open the NBA Finals on Thursday.

Game 2 will go down on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in Denver.