It goes without saying that Nikola Jokic is asked to do a lot. Arguably more than any other player in the NBA. On any given night he’s required to be Denver’s top scorer, rebounder, even facilitator with his passing game — but asking him to coach might be beyond the pale.
Nikola Jokic can add coaching Nuggets in NBA Playoffs to his LinkedIn
Jokic led Denver in points, rebounds, assists, and coaching.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
On Monday night it was time for Coach Joker to shine. The Nuggets were in need of someone to organize them in a critical Game 1 against the Thunder in a series that could determine who goes on to the NBA Finals, and it only made sense that Jokic was the guy.
It’s been less than a month since the Nuggets stunningly fired head coach Michael Malone ahead of the playoffs — and while longtime assistant David Alderman stepped in admirably, sometimes you just need someone with a little more experience to call the shots.
This really showed when the game was on the line and Jokic gathered everyone around to draw up the play.
Think he called his own number? Of course Jokic didn’t. That isn’t his style. Instead the play revolved around rebounding the ball and getting it to Aaron Gordon on the perimeter. Gordon leads Denver in 3P%, and he didn’t disappoint.
Does this mean Joker should get a raise? It feels like he should get a raise. Or at least a new title.
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