Analyzing Nikola Jokic’s Perfect Game as ‘the Basics of Selflessness’

December 29, 2023 Sports Gist Basketball, Denver Nuggets, NBA 0

Why Nikola Jokic’s Flawless Performance against the Grizzlies is the ‘the Basics of Selflessness’

Michael Malones is well familiar with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets system.

Few players in NBA history have played as well as Nikola Jokic. Big men are frequently overly focused on snatching rebounds and charging into the paint for easy points. However, the Denver Nuggets legend is unique in that he has a talent for creating better opportunities for his teammates. He just played a perfect game against the Memphis Grizzlies, who were led by Desmond Bane. According to Rachel Strand of ClutchPoints, Michael Malone realizes that this is the perfect example of how he plays winning basketball.

“Nikola isn’t concerned with ‘How many shots am I getting?’ Tonight he went 11-for-11. He’s unconcerned about it. He’s clapping for Jamal if he’s on a roll. He is more pleased when his teammates succeed. “That is the true definition of selflessness,” the Nuggets’ head coach remarked after their thrashing of the Grizzlies.

Michael Malone was speaking for everyone. Nikola Jokic knows when it’s his turn to show off and when it’s time for someone else on the Nuggets to shine. In this matchup, the spotlight was all his. He was destroying Desmond Bane’s team in all statistical categories, not just points.

The Nuggets legend ended the game with 26 points with a 100% clip from all three levels of scoring. Yes, he did not miss. His floor general prowess was also on display after dropping 10 dimes. To round it off, he was an effective big man under the glass after grabbing 14 boards on just 30 minutes of playing time. Generational talents do not just improve themselves but also their teammates.

Further Reading:

Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic hits all of his shots and earns another triple-double in Grizzlies victory

Nuggets' Nikola Jokic going super saiyan, or on fire.
The Denver Nuggets snapped the Memphis Grizzlies’ four-game win streak on Thursday night with a dominating 142-105 win. The Nuggets, on the other hand, extended their win streak to six games.

The Nuggets’ offensive surge was powered by the electrifying duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The two gave fans a glimpse at what their peak chemistry looked like in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

At times it seemed like Jokic’s ball had a magnet in it, because he posted a 100% field-goal percentage by the end of the night. He didn’t miss a single shot while casually recording his 11th triple-double of the season. He checked out of the game in the final few minutes of the third quarter with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Murray also had an impressive night with 23 points, one rebound, and 9 assists.

Jokic and Murray showcased their chemistry against the Grizzlies, and it’s an efficiency Nuggets head coach Michael Malone absolutely loves.

Another thing he loves? How unselfish of players Jokic and Murray are.

“You know what I love about both of those guys? And I don’t know how many MVPs you can say this about. Nikola doesn’t care ‘how many shots am I getting.’ He was 11-for-11 tonight. He doesn’t care about that,” Malone said via Rachel Strand of ClutchPoints. “If Jamal’s got it going, he’s clapping for Jamal. He takes more joy in his teammate’s success.”

Jokic is a teammate and leader first, and undoubtedly makes those around him better.

The Nuggets will look to stay in the win column as the Oklahoma City Thunder come into town on Friday.

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