Nikola Jokic highlighted Denver’s collective focus after the Nuggets cruised past Philadelphia 76ers 124-96 at Ball Arena on Tuesday.
“Just how professional we were. We were really on the point. Everybody was doing what’s supposed to do and probably that was the most impressing thing tonight,” Jokic said.
On his passing impact, the center added, “You can’t really feel when you’re going to have it going passing-wise early in a game. It just happens… how the game opens up, and I’m good with it. I’m cool with it.”
Jokic reflected on the significance of the win with the starters able to rest: “We lost to teams like this in the past. We didn’t take it serious, and I think we were just professional… everybody contributed, and we got an easy win.”
Regarding team rhythm, he noted, “We had a really tough six-game road trip and played really good in all those games… today was first game of back-to-back, so we just continue to play really good and hopefully we’re going to continue to play like this.”
He addressed Denver’s consistency despite past mixed results: “We played against some really good teams, and we played well… so why not continue to play that way.”
Jokic also commented on Cameron Johnson’s recent performances: “He’s just playing the right way. He was in and out injured a little bit, but hopefully he can stay healthy and play like he was playing tonight and a couple games ago.”
On his chemistry with Christian Braun, Jokic said, “He’s just on the right spot, and I’m just trying to find him… he’s really good in transition and sneaks behind the defense. He’s always in the right spot.”
Looking ahead to the Nuggets’ next matchup, Jokic stressed preparation: “It’s a tough game for us, especially because they’re a unique team. We need to be professional like we did tonight, and that’s going to give us a chance to win a game.”
Christian Braun led Denver with 22 points, while Jokic contributed 14 assists in under 12 minutes. The Nuggets dominated from the start, taking a 16-point first-quarter lead and holding the 76ers to 40 points in the first half.
Philadelphia, missing Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr., fell to 37-32 and continue their road trip at Sacramento on Thursday. Denver will face Memphis on Wednesday in a critical Western Conference race.
