His coach can’t be too mad about this
Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets | Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative/GettyImages
Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets needed a bounce-back performance on Monday night and they got one. On the second night of a back-to-back in Oklahoma City, Denver had one of their best showings of the season, getting some much-needed revenge on the Thunder with a 140-127 win after a 127-103 loss in the same building on Sunday.
Jamal Murray stepped it up with 34 points and the role players made it rain from three-point range. The Nuggets shot 60.5% from the field, 56.3% from three, and scored 140 points. All of those were season-worsts for the vaunted OKC defense.
But like usual, the star of the show was Jokic, who led the way with 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists on a ridiculous 15-20 shooting. There was some question about whether or not Joker would play after injuring his elbow on Sunday, but apparently, he put that talk to bed in a hurry.
Jokic refuses to sit out due to injury
Jokic fell awkwardly on his elbow in Sunday’s loss and didn’t look right the rest of the game. He was on the injury report and dealing with elbow and ankle injuries. Considering that and the back-to-back situation, head coach Michael Malone said after the game that he floated the idea of taking the game off to Jokic and was told, “hell no”.
It’s a good thing that Jokic had the final say as he played great and helped the Nuggets get a huge statement win, arguably their most impressive win of the entire season. The team needed a signature victory over an elite team and this one certainly fits the bill.
It’s such a blessing to have a leader and superstar like Jokic who wants to play and win every single game. He clearly knows that this team needs to get into a rhythm and head into the playoffs with some momentum, and games like this one are a great step in that direction.
Many NBA stars would have taken the night off without a second thought, but Jokic, who has absolutely nothing to prove and was genuinely injured, wouldn’t even consider it. It speaks to his character and the kind of competitor he is and it’s why, frankly, he shouldn’t be looked over in discussions like “face of the league”.
Jokic isn’t just an incredible basketball player, he’s an incredible leader and contender, and a great ambassador for the game of basketball to boot. Monday night served up yet another reminder that as long as Nikola Jokic is on the Nuggets, they’ve got a shot.
Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight? Injury report for Nuggets vs. Thunder March 10
Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Denver Nuggets stayed in Oklahoma after their 127-103 loss on Sunday for a second-consecutive game against the Thunder on Monday. This one won’t be nationally televised, but that doesn’t lessen the importance.
There is a chance Denver could be without three starters. Aaron Gordon has already been ruled out for the matchup after tweaking his calf in the first quarter on Sunday. He was initially listed as questionable to return with right calf tightness, but was eventually ruled out.
Oklahoma City will continue to be at full strength. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points on Sunday, shooting 15-of-32 from the field. Jalen Williams also had a big game, finishing with 26 points (7-of-14), nine rebounds, and eight assists.
The odds are stacked against a banged up Nuggets team, but a win would be huge for Denver before it returns to Ball Arena for a three-game homestand.
Nikola Jokic’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. Thunder
Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) is listed as questionable. He hurt his elbow in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and it was evident he was in pain, but he played through it. He shot an uncharacteristic 10-of-23 from the field and 2-of-6 from the free throw line in the loss.
UPDATE: Nikola Jokic is available.
Jamal Murray’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. Thunder
Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as questionable.
UPDATE: Jamal Murray is available.
Aaron Gordon’s injury status for tonight’s game vs. Thunder
Aaron Gordon (calf) is out.
Nuggets injury report
Zeke Nnaji (ankle) is probable. Nikola Jokic (elbow, ankle) and Jamal Murray (knee) are questionable. Aaron Gordon (calf), Julian Strawther (knee), and DaRon Holmes II (Achilles) are out.
UPDATE: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Zeke Nnaji are available.
Thunder injury report
Nikola Topic (knee) and Ajay Mitchell (foot) are out.
Projected starting lineups tonight
Denver: Jamal Murray (if he plays), Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji/Peyton Watson, Nikola Jokic (if he plays)
Oklahoma City: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
How to watch Nuggets at Thunder March 10
Denver at Oklahoma City won’t be nationally broadcast but will be available on Altitude/KTVD and NBA TV. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT.
Nuggets’ next five regular-season games
Wednesday, March 12: Timberwolves at Nuggets (8 p.m. MDT on ESPN)
Friday, March 14: Lakers at Nuggets (7:30 p.m. MDT on NBA TV)
Saturday, March 15: Wizards at Nuggets (7 p.m. MDT)
Monday, March 17: Nuggets at Warriors (8 p.m. MDT on ESPN)
Wednesday, March 19: Nuggets at Lakers (8 p.m. MDT on ESPN)