NC State Wolfpack big man DJ Burns stole the show on Sunday as he led his team to a massive Elite Eight upset win over the No. 4 seed Duke Blue Devils, 76-64. Burns exploded for 29 points on 13-of-19 shooting, to go along with four rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and zero turnovers in a truly impressive performance.
Burns was so good that he earned some pretty lofty praise from two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is a Fan of NC State Wolfpack’s DJ Burns
The Nuggets were in action on Sunday as well as they took down the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 130-101 blowout to become the first Western Conference team to secure a playoff berth.
Right before his post-game press conference, Jokic was tuned in to see Burns and the Wolfpack take on Duke. It’s safe to say that the future Hall of Fame center is a fan of Burns:
“I think he’s so skilled, especially lefty,” Jokic said. “… Seems like teammates like to play with him. That’d be a good guy.”
Nikola Jokic: CONFIRMED DJ Burns fan @beastboyburns
"I think he's so skilled, especially lefty…seems like teammates like. to play with him. That'd be a good guy."
Joker was watching NC State-Duke before his presser lol pic.twitter.com/XlhAOZQuhd
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) March 31, 2024
I see no lies here.
You have to note that these compliments are coming from one of the greatest big men who has ever picked up a basketball so for Jokic to have this much praise for Burns’ skillset is certainly newsworthy.
Burns and the Wolfpack will need to keep it going, though, as they face a tough matchup in the Final Four against Zach Edey and the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.
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