In Denver’s 132-126 win over the Spurs on Wednesday, star center Nikola Jokic dropped 25 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. And although those are the types of performances we’re used to seeing from Jokic nowadays, it isn’t any less impressive.
After the game, it left Spurs coach Gregg Popovich with quite a big impression, as he compared him to Larr Bird and Moses Malone…
Gregg Popovich on Nikola Jokic: "He's a reincarnation of Larry Bird"
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 5, 2020
Pop calls Nikola Jokic "Larry Bird," then later calls him "Moses Malone." This Frankenstein's monster sounds like a problem to guard (and he is.)
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) August 5, 2020
Despite the rather bold comparisons, Nikola does have aspects of both players embedded into his game. He’s swift with the ball and can make shots from practically anywhere on the basketball court. While Jokic is Jokic is a traditional big in terms of his ability to score on the block and rebound at a high level, his game is quite unique.
Unlike a lot of bigs, he can pass like a guard and he’s got handles to match and his play is a large part of the reason Denver has been so good these past few seasons.
Going forward, it will be interesting to see how far “The Joker” can take them. For all his talent, he may need some more help if he wants to secure a title.
We’ll find out soon enough.
