Chapter 304: Prove You Belong.
The Cavaliers secured a hard-fought 119-108 victory over the Spurs at Quicken Loans Arena, kicking off December with a statement win.
This victory mattered. After an up-and-down November, the Cavs had faced growing skepticism. But more than the win itself, what stood out was the emergence of a reliable starting center.
Nikola Jokić's stat line spoke for itself: 32 minutes, 8-of-13 shooting, 1-of-1 from three, 6-of-6 from the line, 23 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.
Even Han, who had encouraged Jokić before the game, hadn't expected this kind of breakout performance.
Back in the locker room, the celebration was on.
As soon as Jokić walked in, his teammates ambushed him with a barrage of water bottles.
"Welcome to the big leagues, Joker!" TT shouted, grinning as he emptied a bottle over Nikola's head.
"Joker?" Jokić froze, water dripping from his hair. "Wait... me? Why Joker?"
"Shaq gave you that nickname during the broadcast," Kyrie explained, tossing a towel at Nikola. "Said you've always got a trick up your sleeve."
Nikola's expression shifted from confusion to amusement. "Wait... Shaq?"
"Yeah, man! You've got a nickname from the Diesel himself!" Tucker laughed, patting Jokić on the back. "That's like Hall of Fame validation right there."