The Altitude Myth: Barkley's Hilarious Take on Denver's Secret Weapon

• NBA

The Denver Nuggets started off the NBA Finals on a high note, emerging victorious against the Miami Heat with a final score of 104:93. But it was not just the win that was causing a stir. NBA legends Charles Barkley and Grant Hill shifted the spotlight from the game to an unusual prop: oxygen masks.

Gasping for Attention: The Denver Altitude Debate

Currently serving as expert game commentators, Barkley and Hill donned oxygen masks during the live broadcast. The unusual move was a nod to the unique circumstances of this year's Finals.

With Denver perched at an elevation of 1,608 meters, the NBA Finals have never been contested at such a towering altitude. This detail sparked conversations suggesting that Denver's high altitude could serve as a "secret weapon" for the home team, particularly since the Nuggets have yet to suffer a loss at home during the playoffs.

Barkley, however, dismissed this speculation with a combination of humor and frankness. “Every time they mention the altitude, I think it’s the stupidest thing ever. It ain’t true… The reason I don’t think it’s true, I just don’t remember all those Denver Nugget championships.

This is the first time they've ever been to the Finals… These guys are the best athletes in the world. So the notion that breathing is gonna dictate who wins? This is the first time they've been to the finals! And all of a sudden now, altitude matters? Give me a damn break!” Barkley exclaimed.

What the fuck these boys be doing that they need the oxygen mask #NBAFinals #nba pic.twitter.com/n4TRMM13c2 — Todd and Doc (@ToddandDoc) June 1, 2023

Nikola Jokic: The Beacon of the Nuggets' Success

Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center of the Denver Nuggets and two-time NBA MVP, made waves on the court, proving his worth as one of the most formidable basketball players in the world today.

He played an instrumental role in the Nuggets' success, catapulting the team to their landmark victory in the first match of the NBA Finals.

A Stellar Triple-Double Performance

Jokic turned in a remarkable triple-double, becoming the linchpin of the Nuggets' resounding win.

He racked up 27 points on just four field goals, while also tallying 10 rebounds and 14 assists. This incredible achievement marked Jokic's ninth triple-double of the playoffs, with six of those achieved in just seven games.

These astounding statistics underscore Jokic's capacity to shape the future trajectory of the NBA Finals series. As the series unfolds, all eyes will surely be on Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.