The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and his colleagues on the Denver Nuggets,
who are currently leading the Los Angeles Lakers 2-0 in the Western Conference finals, are among the greatest players in the world, according to Denver coach Michael Malone.
Malone stated, "Whatever we can use for motivation," after the Nuggets overcame an 11-point hole to defeat the Lakers 108-103 in game two of the series on Thursday at Ball Arena in Denver.
That came after a 132-126 triumph in game one, in which the Nuggets took an early lead only to have to hold off the advancing Lakers in the final frame.
"Let's face it, that was the dominant national narrative—hey, the Lakers are doing good. Despite being down 1-0, they made a decision. Nikola, who just gave a spectacular performance, received no attention.
Malone pointed out that Jokic, who has 13 playoff triple-doubles in his career, is third all-time, after only LeBron James (28) and Magic Johnson (30).