Nikola Jokic made it clear Friday night that his commitment to winning extends beyond the stat sheet.
During a key timeout, the Denver Nuggets superstar center was seen actively coaching up teammates, diagramming adjustments and emphasizing defensive focus in a tightly contested game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The leadership moment underscored Joki’s competitive drive, but it ultimately wasn’t enough. The Thunder defeated the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in overtime in a physical, emotionally charged matchup that featured multiple technical fouls and an ejection.
Nikola Jokic scolds Nuggets teammates during an intense bench moment
SGA had a huge impact on the game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, returned after missing nine games with an abdominal strain and scored 36 points in regulation to set the tone for Oklahoma City. Although Gilgeous-Alexander did not play in overtime, the Thunder maintained control in the extra period to close out the win.
Jokic finished with another stat-stuffing performance, recording 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists. His night also included a fourth-quarter altercation with Thunder guard Lu Dort, adding to the intensity of the contest. Dort was later ejected after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul.
Denver guard Jamal Murray, who had been listed as questionable before the game due to illness, carried much of the offensive load. Murray poured in 39 points to lead all scorers and kept the Nuggets within striking distance throughout regulation.
Despite the loss, Jokic‘s presence during timeouts highlighted the role he continues to play as both floor general and emotional anchor for Denver. On a night when tensions ran high and the stakes felt elevated, his efforts to steady the group reflected a leader determined to compete until the final buzzer.
