Upset Nikola Jokic tells reporter to ‘stop saying that’ after triple-double vs New Orleans

After the Nuggets’ win over the Pelicans, where The Joker finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, a reporter mentioned his new NBA record and asked why the game seems so effortless for him.

But Jokic pushed back straight away, saying: “It’s not effortless. I think we need to stop saying that.”

“I’m still running like other guys. I’m still jumping like other guys. Sometimes just the game goes my way and I have a good night like today. I think it was an okay night for me. Decent night, whatever. A good night for me.”

This season’s early numbers are also helped by how well-balanced Denver’s roster has become after their offseason moves.

While Jokic led the scoring with 21 points in their recent outing against New Orleans, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun each added 17 points, while Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 10 off the bench.

That depth meant the Serbian ace only needed to play 28 minutes – a crucial factor as the long season progresses.

Nikola Jokic reveals secret to Denver Nuggets’ early success

Even without Porter Jr., Denver still had plenty of star power, with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon joining Jokic in the starting line-up. However, it is how they have built out their bench that stands out now.

The additions of Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., along with Jonas Valanciunas off the bench have given them plenty of flexibility across different positions this year.

Denver’s early success, according to Jokic, is due to their strength in depth.

“I think that’s a good system, a good way of playing. Because then everybody’s going to hustle and play aggressive on defensive end,” he said.

“Whenever you touch the ball in the offence, even if you’re passing it, whenever you touch the ball on the floor, even just for a second, you’re going to feel important, and you are important, especially in this team. 

“We need everybody, and I think that’s how the good teams are built. Let’s say we need everybody on the floor.”

If they can stay healthy across all positions as well as keep up this form heading into springtime basketball, then they will be one of few teams who could compete deep into another playoff run again.