Fresh off his first 30-point game in a home win against Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic is playing the best spell of basketball in his career, but he doesn’t get caught up in reading about it.
The Serb doesn’t even read his own boxscore.
“I never take a look at my box score, I just don’t look as it keeps your mind off the court and off the game,” Jokic reveals.
And after recording his third straight double-double of 30 points and 11 rebounds in Denver’s 125-112 win over the Magic, the 21-year-old, who has averaged 22.3 points on 68.6 percent shooting, 9.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his last five games is the toast of the mile high city right now as the Nuggets have convincingly won their last two games having previously lost their last five.
Jokic’s return from illness for Thursday’s game in London certainly boosted the Nuggets – and in turn – the longer break off the court certainly helped the Serbian international who along with a double-double dished out eight assists including some passes that his Serbia team-mate and CSKA Moscow guard Milos Teodosic would have been proud of.
“I try to [copy Teodosic],” Jokic jokes. “He is a great passer, but I don’t think about triple-doubles I just want to win the game. I just want to do whatever I need to do on the court to help my team-mates.”
And Jokic was at the heart of everything once again. Following the long flight back home from London, the Nuggets played at the same pace and same efficiency on Monday against the Magic.
“I think we had a really good defensive game, especially in the third quarter where we gave up 22 points,” Jokic said following the win over the Magic.
“When you have 30-plus assists you need to have a good game so everyone shared the ball, played together and it’s the reason we won the game.
As for his own box score, Jokic again told reporters following the win that he didn’t check his stats. Maybe it’s for the best, if Denver keeps playing this way.
