In Thursday night's highly anticipated matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics, Nikola Jokic once again showcased his reliability and inevitability in late-game situations, leading his team to a 115-109 victory. The game had all the makings of a potential Finals preview, with both teams fighting tooth and nail until the final buzzer.

While the Celtics have been struggling with their late-game offense lately, the Nuggets have found a reliable source of pressure in Jokic. The star center's ability to create easy offense in crucial moments is a game-changer for Denver. Whether it's working his way into an easy finish or setting up teammates for open shots, Jokic's presence on the court causes constant headaches for opposing defenses.

Although Jamal Murray is also a reliable clutch performer for the Nuggets, Jokic's creativity and ability to make the right decisions set him apart. In contrast, the Celtics often rely on tough shots created by their players, leading to inconsistent results. Jokic, on the other hand, effortlessly finds ways to exploit his opponents' weaknesses, making it nearly impossible to defend him effectively.

Throughout the game, the Celtics tried various defenders to contain Jokic, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Payton Pritchard. However, none of these attempts were successful in slowing down the Nuggets' star. Jokic consistently found ways to score or assist on pivotal field goals, finishing the game with an impressive stat line of 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.

As the game approached its closing moments, the Celtics were within two points and desperately needed a defensive stop to have a chance at tying or winning the game. But Jokic's inevitability came to the forefront once again. With a couple of forceful spins, he overpowered Porzingis and drew the attention of Holiday, leaving Aaron Gordon wide open for a thunderous slam dunk. This play showcased not only Jokic's individual skills but also his sixth-sense chemistry with Gordon.

The victory for the Nuggets further solidified Jokic's status as one of the best players in the world. His ability to create easy offense in high-pressure situations gives Denver a significant advantage over opponents, making them the team to beat heading into the playoffs. While the Celtics boast a talented roster, Jokic's late-game magic gives the Nuggets an edge that is difficult to overcome.

Although the regular season records may not hold much significance for the Nuggets, with Jokic leading the way, they are a force to be reckoned with. If these two teams were to meet in the Finals in June, Jokic's reliability and late-game creation would make Denver the favorite, despite the Celtics' collective talent and regular-season success.

Overall, Thursday night's game was another reminder of Jokic's extraordinary abilities and the impact he has on the court. As the playoffs draw nearer, the league will be watching closely to see if anyone can find a way to stop the unstoppable force that is Nikola Jokic.