Nowitzki Calls Jokic 'Arguably the Best' as 55-Point Outburst Fuels Nuggets' Surge
The Hall of Famer’s endorsement reflects a dominant start that is forcing opponents to rethink how they defend Denver’s centerpiece.
Overview
- Dirk Nowitzki praised Nikola Jokic’s size, skill, court vision and IQ, calling him “maybe arguably the best player in the world.”
- Jokic poured in 55 points in a 130-116 win over the Clippers, tying this season’s NBA high and pushing Denver’s winning streak to six.
- He scored 25 in the first quarter, the highest-scoring quarter of his career and the top first-quarter mark by a center since 1996-97.
- Clippers coach Ty Lue said the game plan was to make Jokic score, noting he did not expect Jokic to reach 55.
- Availability update: Jokic is listed as probable with a left wrist sprain for Monday against the Bulls, and Christian Braun is out at least six weeks.