TITLE: Jokic’s Rapid-Fire Comeback Headlines Busy Night; Demin Sparks Nets; Wizards Count on Young to Guide Sarr
SLUG: jokic-historic-return-demin-double-double-wizards-young-sarr
CONTENT:
DENVER — Nikola Jokic wasted no time re-establishing himself. Returning Friday after a 16-game absence caused by a knee injury, the reigning MVP poured in 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals in only 24 minutes as the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers by 13.
According to The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, Jokic is the first player in NBA history to reach 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while staying under the 25-minute mark.
“You miss playing. You miss the pressure. You miss the adrenaline,” Jokic said. “I was not scared to use (the knee). I think that’s a good sign.”
Denver remained without Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson, yet Jokic’s return immediately steadied the short-handed lineup. The center added that watching from the sideline was draining: “I was yelling at the TV. I was so emotionally empty after the games.”
Nets Lean on Youth in Utah
SALT LAKE CITY — Brooklyn turned to its rookie class and ended a seven-game skid. First-year guard Egor Demin delivered 25 points and 10 rebounds—his first career double-double—as the Nets topped the Jazz on Friday. The outing carried extra meaning for Demin, who previously attended BYU.
“It means a lot,” Demin said, noting the club still must “function without (Michael Porter Jr.), too.” Fellow rookies Nolan Traore and Danny Wolf also started, giving Brooklyn a youthful look that produced an immediate payoff.
Wizards Bank on Young’s Influence
WASHINGTON — The Wizards believe Trae Young’s presence can accelerate the growth of sophomore center Alex Sarr, ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne reported. Young praised Sarr’s combination of intellect, athleticism and size, calling it “very uncommon in the league.”
Sarr, taken No. 2 overall last year, remains central to Washington’s rebuild, and Young said he wants to be “part of the process” of unlocking the big man’s potential.
The Wizards view that development curve as every bit as vital as wins in the short term.
Source: Hoops Wire
