Michael Malone Praises Nikola Jokic For Career-Best Performance With 19 Assists Against Pacers

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Michael Malone praised Nikola Jokic's outstanding performance in the Denver Nuggets' 126-116 win over the Indiana Pacers. Jokic achieved a career-high with 19 assists, alongside 18 points and nine rebounds. This victory improved the Nuggets' record to 38-20 this season. Jokic's game marked his 28th career match with at least 15 assists, setting a record for non-guards in NBA history.

Jokic's assist total tied for the second-most by any center in league history, only behind Wilt Chamberlain's 21 assists in a single game against the Detroit Pistons in 1968. "The guy is just an amazing, complete basketball player," Malone said. "And I think the most remarkable thing is not just 19 assists, but the satisfaction and joy that Nikola gets from making his teammates better."

The win allowed Denver to recover from their previous 123-100 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, which ended their nine-game winning streak. Malone acknowledged Jokic as the standout performer for the Nuggets once again. "He's a humble person and understands that this whole thing is always much bigger than the individual," Malone stated.

Malone emphasized that Jokic's ability to play through him during crucial moments of close games is invaluable. "What a luxury to have when you can just play through him down the stretch of a close game," he added. Michael Porter Jr. contributed with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Christian Braun scored 17 points and Jamal Murray added 16 for Denver.

Myles Turner led Indiana with 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton recorded 19 points and 15 assists. Pascal Siakam also scored 19 points, and Aaron Nesmith added another 17. Haliburton acknowledged Jokic's high basketball IQ despite not being known as an elite defender.

"Obviously, Nikola is not a guy in the league that you would say is an elite defender," Haliburton commented. "But he's one of the highest IQ guys in the league." He praised Jokic's effectiveness in making him adjust his reads during pick-and-roll situations.

This game highlighted Jokic's exceptional skills and teamwork focus, reinforcing his status as one of the most versatile players in basketball today. His ability to elevate his teammates' performances remains unmatched, contributing significantly to Denver's success this season.