Nikola Jokic, the versatile center for the Denver Nuggets, is known for making waves both on and off the court. As the NBA playoffs approach, Jokic’s tradition of opening his swimming pool offers him a serene escape from the high-stakes atmosphere of leading his team in pursuit of a championship.
After securing the No. 3 seed with 54 victories, the Nuggets are set to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, in a first-round matchup commencing Saturday. This season has been particularly unique for Jokic, both in terms of his performance and the physical challenges he faced.
Jokic stood out statistically by becoming the first player since 1969-70 to lead the league in both rebounds and assists per game. Historically, Wilt Chamberlain was the last to achieve this feat in 1967-68 when leaders were decided by totals.
Health-wise, Jokic encountered his first major injury, missing 16 games due to a hyperextended left knee in late December and January. The Nuggets managed a 10-6 record during his absence.
“It’s not a difficult year, but an inconsistent year, with the injuries, with the lineups, with everything,” said Jokic, maintaining an average of a triple-double with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists for the second consecutive season. “We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s something telling about this team, and the group that we have in the locker room. We definitely show ourselves that we can answer to anything, and hopefully we’re going find a way and in the playoffs when the moment is big.”
The Nuggets are buoyed by a 12-game winning streak, with Jokic lightheartedly commenting, “It’s definitely better than a 12-game losing streak.”
A Point Guard in a Center’s Body
This season, Jokic recorded 34 triple-doubles over 65 games, including a remarkable display on Christmas Day against the Timberwolves, where he notched 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists in a 142-138 overtime victory.
Timberwolves forward Julius Randle acknowledged the challenge of guarding Jokic, saying, “Probably got to call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors. … He’s an incredible player. He does so much on the floor for that team.”
At 6-foot-11 and 284 pounds, Jokic sees the game like a point guard, with an arsenal of low-post maneuvers and the ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson praised, “He’s a joy to watch. He’s just so unique in so many ways.”
Jokic’s continuous production is a spectacle for his teammates, with Christian Braun noting, “Nothing has shocked me this year. But that’s probably not the right way to say it. Everything (Jokic) does shocks me. Every time I watch him, he shocks me.”
A Close Call Recovered
The Nuggets breathed a sigh of relief when Jokic’s injury in Miami on December 29 proved to be less severe than initially feared, sidelining him for only a few weeks. He returned on January 30, missing just one more game, allowing him to meet the 65-game requirement for award eligibility.
Nuggets coach David Adelman remarked on Jokic’s current state, “He’s in a great place, physically and mentally.”
Team Play and Recognition
Jokic’s ability to involve his teammates is a defining trait. Whether passing to Cam Johnson, setting screens for Jamal Murray, or assisting Aaron Gordon, Jokic emphasizes, “We need everybody. Everybody needs to step up.”
Despite his contributions, coach Adelman remains puzzled by the lack of MVP buzz surrounding Jokic, with odds favoring Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “I would say what stands out to me is how much he has not been talked about. I think it’s absolutely insane. I have no idea what the narrative is and why,” Adelman stated.
Jokic has earned high praise from his peers, including Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert, who commented, “Whatever he does, he plays to win. He’s selfless. He’s just here to show up, help his team win and go home. I like that. I respect that.”
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