Nikola Jokic has always been a steady force for the Denver Nuggets, but following the recent firing of head coach Michael Malone, the three-time MVP is stepping into a new role, one of leadership in the locker room.
Jokic’s reaction to the shocking move came in his post-game comments after the Nuggets defeated the Sacramento Kings 124-116 on Wednesday night. The win snapped a four-game losing streak and allowed the Nuggets to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race.
Malone’s sudden dismissal earlier this week took many by surprise, but Jokic, a longtime figure in the Nuggets’ system, made it clear that the team’s focus has to remain on the bigger picture — the playoffs.
When asked about the impact of the firing, Jokic responded, “If someone wants to wake somebody up or change the energy, that’s probably what they do… it definitely changed something, and they got the reaction they wanted.”
The Nuggets’ victory over the Kings was notable not just for the strong performance but for the dramatic shift in energy following the coaching change. Jokic admitted that the team’s dynamic was affected, stating, “It definitely changed. Like I said, if you want to change something, that’s how we do it. The owner wanted to do it, so it happens.” While the news left a lingering shock, the team needed to focus quickly as the playoffs loom just around the corner.
David Adelman, who stepped into the interim head coach role, kept the team on track with a clear message. Jokic appreciated Adelman’s no-nonsense approach, saying, “He’s going to keep it real, probably tell you what he wants in the simplest way possible. He might even show you too, and probably in some smart-aleck way.” The relaxed yet direct approach was just what the team needed to get back on track.
In the game against Sacramento, the Nuggets were led by Christian Braun, who contributed 25 points. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points each, but it was Jokic’s 32nd triple-double of the season (20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists) that underscored Denver’s dominance on both ends of the floor.
The win was more than just a statement game — it had significant playoff implications. With only two regular-season games remaining, Denver (48-32) is tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. The result gave the Nuggets a much-needed boost as they look to secure a strong playoff position and avoid the play-in tournament.
Despite strong individual efforts from Zach LaVine, who scored 27 points and dished out 11 assists, and DeMar DeRozan’s 22 points, the Kings (39-41) were unable to overcome Denver’s offensive firepower. Sacramento had a brief run in the fourth quarter, cutting Denver’s lead to 113-108 with 2:30 left, but clutch plays from Jalen Pickett and Jokic sealed the win for the Nuggets.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Nuggets will need to maintain their momentum. Jokic is determined to keep the team focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of sticking together and believing in their abilities. “I think today was a good start, just to keep everybody together, keep everybody believing,” Jokic said. The team will need to build on this win to solidify their playoff positioning and make a run at the title.
