Nikola Jokic presents Nathan MacKinnon with Hart Trophy – Image Source: Imagn
Denver Nuggets star and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic made a special appearance at the Colorado Avalanche’s home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
Jokic walked out to center ice wearing an Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon jersey to help present MacKinnon with the Hart Trophy for NHL MVP.
The crowd roared as Jokic carried out the famous trophy and handed it to MacKinnon, who won the Hart Trophy along with the Ted Lindsay Award this year, given annually to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by the players.
Watch the video here:
One home, two MVPs 👏#GoAvsGo | #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/KhpLwoQzgn
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 13, 2024
Jokic said in a video message before the ceremony:
“Hey Avs nation, I’m here to present the MVP trophy to Nathan. I’m so happy. I know how much this means to the city of Denver, so I just love to be here. Go Avs!”
MVP CITY!!! pic.twitter.com/Z0CuOLtAPz
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 13, 2024
Last season was truly remarkable for Nathan MacKinnon as he achieved a milestone by breaking franchise records with 140 points and scoring in 35 home games (atleast a point). He also netted 51 goals and made 405 shots at goal.
His home point streak was the second longest in NHL history behind Wayne Gretzky’s 40-game run.
Fans react to Nikola Jokic presenting the Hart Trophy to Nathan MacKinnon
Fans were buzzing with excitement as NBA superstar Nikola Jokic presented the Hart Trophy to fellow Denver sports icon Nathan MacKinnon.
The unexpected crossover between the Nuggets and Avalanche sent social media into a frenzy, with one commenting:
“2 legends” encapsulating the sentiment shared by many.
https://twitter.com/explore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1845274832797302817%7Ctwgr%5Ef83efc57f522898b10686cee5fb7678f4be67668%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportskeeda.com%2Fus%2Fnhl%2Fnews-watch-3x-nba-mvp-nikola-jokic-presents-nathan-mackinnon-hart-trophy-avs-home-opener
Another fan wrote:
“Wow, what a moment!!” on X.
Here are some fan reactions:
“Two guys that show up and get it done night in night out . No f**king BS just get it done . 99% of athletes should take note” one fan wrote on X.”Looks happier than most days” another fan wrote.”He was so careful walking out there” a user commented.
The two best in their respective sports” another user wrote.
Denver now becomes the first city to have the reigning MVPs from the NHL and NBA in the same season since Los Angeles in 1989, when Gretzky and Magic Johnson won the honors. Nathan MacKinnon is the third Avalanche player to earn the Hart Trophy, joining Joe Sakic in 2001 and Peter Forsberg in 2003.
