Nikola Jokić draws high praise from LeBron as injuries pile up for Denver
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DENVER — During the latest episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, co-host Steve Nash asked LeBron James whether Nikola Jokić is the best offensive player he has ever faced. James stopped short of naming one player but called the Nuggets center “the most dominant, complete” opponent he has seen, citing Jokić’s passing, shooting, rebounding and ability to punish single or double coverage.
The two-time MVP played through a left wrist sprain Saturday in Phoenix after being listed as questionable. He finished the 119-111 victory with 26 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds while shooting 7-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 beyond the arc and 9-for-10 at the foul line.
Additional injuries test depth
Veteran guard Bruce Brown revealed he hyperextended his right knee in Friday’s loss to San Antonio — officially labeled a sprain — yet logged 27 minutes against the Suns and handed out a season-high 10 assists. Denver is already without starters Christian Braun (right ankle sprain) and Aaron Gordon (right hamstring strain), both expected to miss multiple weeks.
Murray builds early All-Star résumé
Point guard Jamal Murray, traditionally a slow starter, is averaging career highs of 24.0 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting .486 from the floor, .409 from three and .892 at the line. His .611 true-shooting percentage is also a personal best. The new All-Star format — one eight-man international squad and two eight-player American teams — could bolster the Canadian guard’s candidacy.
NBA Cup bid ends with defensive letdown
Denver was eliminated from the in-season tournament Friday after surrendering an 18-point second-half lead to the Spurs. The Nuggets scored a season-high 136 but allowed 139, marking their third consecutive home defeat. “We need to know the things we aren’t good at,” forward Peyton Watson said afterward. Denver gave up only 112 points in Saturday’s 18-point win at Phoenix.
Source: Hoops Rumors
