Nikola Jokic and the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena, in Denver, Colorado, played host to the Utah Jazz in a high-scoring game of basketball. The Nuggets edged out the Jazz 142-121, extending their win streak to two games in a row and condemning the Jazz to their second consecutive loss.
Canadian guard, Jamal Murray led the player statistics chart with 37 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. The Jazz couldn’t keep the Joker quiet despite their best efforts as he contributed with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. He also had one steal and two blocks while shooting 12 of 14 (85.7%) from the field.
During the game, the Serbian made an excellent laser full-court inbound pass that found its way to teammate Michael Porter Jr., who finished off the play majestically with a dunk. It’s now customary for the two-time MVP to make such a precision-guided pass. It is fascinating to know that he made the same pass to Aaron Gordon, who also had a viral moment during the game.
The win preserves the Nuggets’ momentum as they seek to return to the top of the Western Conference standings. The Joker is currently averaging 26 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 9.2 APG this season.
Sports analyst, Nick Wright hypes up Nikola Jokic
Nick Wright was not impressed when the Denver Nuggets’ Serbian center, Nikola Jokic won back-to-back MVP awards. But that all changed when he led the Nuggets to the franchise’s first-ever NBA title last season.
Nikola Jokic (Image via Marca.com)The Denver Nuggets are among the favorites to win this season’s NBA title, although they’d have to contend with the Boston Celtics from the East, with Jokic leading the charge. Wright believes that if Jokic can guide the Nuggets to their second consecutive title, he should be considered among the greatest offensive players. He also took the time to mention him among the likes of Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry who were back-to-back champions. He said:
But I think he is a more deadly offensive player than Kobe or Durant were.
Wright has his points, and Jokic has been a revelation all season. But comparing him to other greats at this point is a story for another day. Keeping the ongoing campaign in view, can anyone stop Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets?
