Michael Malone’s Powerful Locker Room Strategy Made No Difference to Nikola Jokic

It was an insane night for the Denver Nuggets. They lost two games at home. And now they won their first game of the series at Minnesota‘s home. The irony! Having gotten used to all the wins, watching the Nuggets flail helplessly at the merciless hands of the Wolves had the fans absolutely worried. At the same time, many basketball pundits jumped ship and repeated that they were done for the season. Of course, tonight’s win was just one step. But if anyone thought these negative comments might have struck the nerve of Nikola Jokić, you might want to think again.

Joining SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt from the floor, the shiny new, third-time MVP said, “I mean for me, individually, no. Probably some guys, yes. For me individually, it was just to win the next game, and that’s what we did.” 

Hilariously enough, it looks like Malone’s strategic talks and video did not make much of a difference. Talking to the press post-game, the Nuggets coach explained how he’s been hearing “every talking head in this country saying that the series was over, the Nuggets are done, it’s a wrap.” Malone decided to edit the video of these and show it to the guys.

He was sure if this didn’t motivate them to play aggressively, nothing else would. Well, as the “Joker” pointed out, it seems to have helped other guys. If not him. Nevertheless, they got the win and the reigning champion promised to continue this till they won the series.

But Nikola Jokić isn’t Nikola Jokić if he didn’t have one of those pearly Jokić wisdom he learned and plans to implement.

Nikola Jokić reveals his game plan for Game 4 and beyond 

Only Jokić can impart such a lesson after a hard-fought battle. When every other player in the league gets technical and talks about strategies, our resident horse-lover figured out a simple means to keep the momentum going. When Van Pelt asked the Serbian big man what the most important thing the Nuggets did tonight was and planned to carry forward, Nikola had the most random answer ever.

“Cross the half-court in 2-3 seconds.” Well, if we were to go a little fancy, it would translate to speed and agility. Often called out for his sluggish movements on-court, Jokić’s performances have amazed many. Even when going against extremely fast-moving players, the 6’11 center has showcased exceptional skill in gaining the upper hand.

So, for him to figure out the advantage of speed in his eighth year at the NBA is something only the “Joker” is capable of. Nevertheless, this is definitely going to benefit the team as a whole in the coming years. The next season will see the ascension of many young teams. And if the Nuggets have to stand their ground, they will have to match their pace, as well.

For now, though, Anthony Edwards and Co. have no intention of taking this loss lying down. Mike Conley warned in the post-game presser that the ANT takes every defeat personally. Be ready to witness a blockbuster matchup on Sunday at 8:00 PM ET.