Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Praises Nikola Jokic After Historic Triple-Double Performance

Add as a preferred source on Google

Michael Malone, coach of the Denver Nuggets, is running out of words to praise Nikola Jokic. He called Jokic the best player globally after a stunning performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Jokic achieved a triple-double with 37 points, 15 assists, and 18 rebounds, leading the Nuggets to a narrow 122-120 victory. This feat marks him as the first in NBA history to achieve such stats.

Jokic's remarkable play overshadowed Michael Porter Jr.'s crucial mid-range jumper that secured Denver's fifth consecutive win. The Serbian star has been on an impressive streak with four straight triple-doubles. This season, he averages 29.7 points per game, ranking fourth in the league. His rebounds and assists per game are also league-leading at 13.7 and 11.7, respectively.

After the game, Malone humorously remarked about Jokic's MVP standing: "I would assume that after tonight's performance, he'll only be fifth in the MVP voting." He added that despite Jokic's efforts, his contributions seem unnoticed outside their region. Malone was pleased with Jokic playing 38 minutes, keeping him under 40 minutes.

Malone continued by expressing his admiration for Jokic: "On a serious note, just incredible. We're all running out of words, adjectives and ways to describe his greatness and his impact." He concluded by stating simply that Jokic is "the best player in the world," reflecting his belief in Jokic's unparalleled talent.

The Mavericks have now lost four out of their last six games. Despite Kyrie Irving scoring a team-high of 43 points and Luka Doncic contributing 24 points, Dallas couldn't recover from their previous loss against the Phoenix Suns. Their recent performances highlight ongoing challenges for the team.

Jokic has claimed the NBA MVP title three times in the last four seasons, underscoring his consistent excellence on the court. His ability to deliver exceptional performances regularly sets him apart as a dominant force in basketball today.