Less than two weeks ago, the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic showed a side of him that fans rarely get to see. The usually calm and composed center let his emotions get the best of him during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was a moment that left everyone in the arena and watching at home stunned, as the Joker nearly came to blows with OKC’s Jaylin Williams after Lu Dort’s cheap shot. This incident only added fuel to the already existing bad blood between the reigning champs and the former holders. However, Jokic’s reaction also revealed a new side to his game, one that is taking inspiration from an unexpected source – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.
The incident between Jokic and Williams occurred during the fourth quarter of the game, with the Nuggets leading by a comfortable margin. As Dort attempted to steal the ball from Jokic, he hit him with a cheap shot to the ribs. The Joker, who is known for his calm demeanor, immediately reacted and confronted Williams. The two players had to be separated by their teammates and referees, with Jokic receiving a technical foul for his outburst.
This was a rare sight for fans of the Nuggets, who are used to seeing Jokic maintain his composure even in the most heated moments of a game. But this incident also showed a different side to the 26-year-old center – one that is fueled by passion and a desire to win. Jokic’s reaction to the cheap shot was a clear indication that he was not going to let anyone disrespect him or his team.
While some may view this incident as a negative for Jokic and the Nuggets, it actually revealed a positive side to the reigning MVP’s game. Jokic has always been known for his incredible skill and basketball IQ, but this incident showed that he also possesses a competitive fire that can take his game to the next level. It was a moment that showcased Jokic’s determination and his willingness to stand up for himself and his team.
But what was even more interesting was Jokic’s post-game comments, where he revealed that he was taking notes from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. This may come as a surprise to many, as the Thunder are currently in the midst of a rebuilding phase and are not considered to be one of the top teams in the league. However, Jokic’s admiration for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder is not unwarranted.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is just 23 years old, has emerged as one of the top young players in the league. He has been the focal point of the Thunder’s offense and has shown tremendous growth and improvement in his game over the past few seasons. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend has made him a valuable asset for the Thunder, and his leadership on the court has earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
Jokic’s comments about taking notes from Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder may seem surprising, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The Thunder have a young and talented roster, and they play with a lot of energy and passion. Despite not being a playoff team, they have managed to compete against some of the top teams in the league, which is a testament to their never-give-up attitude. Jokic, who is known for his high basketball IQ, is surely taking note of the Thunder’s style of play and incorporating it into his own game.
This is not the first time that Jokic has shown admiration for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. In fact, during the All-Star break, Jokic had praised Gilgeous-Alexander, saying, “He’s a really good player, really talented. He’s a really good scorer, he’s a really good passer, he’s a really good rebounder. He’s a really good player.” It is clear that Jokic has a lot of respect for Gilgeous-Alexander and his game, and he is now using that as motivation to elevate his own game.
The Nuggets, who are currently in the thick of the playoff race, will need Jokic to continue playing at an elite level if they hope to make a deep run in the postseason. And with the playoffs just around the corner, Jokic’s newfound passion and fire could not have