‘I Used It Fearlessly’

Nikola Jokic is back on the basketball court, moving from a fan and coach role to a player once again. After missing 16 games due to a knee injury, he expressed that the time away was not as refreshing as expected. “Watching a game took so much of my energy,” Jokic remarked during his first media availability after his recovery.

A Triumphant Return

Jokic made an impressive comeback on Friday at Ball Arena, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 122-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. He received a standing ovation as he exited the game with two minutes remaining. In just 24 minutes of play, Jokic recorded an extraordinary 31 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Record-Setting Performance

With his remarkable statistics, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to accumulate at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in fewer than 25 minutes of action. Nuggets coach David Adelman noted that Jokic could have played a few more minutes but emphasized that it wasn’t necessary.

Emotional Reflections

The three-time MVP emphasized the emotional toll of being sidelined. “You miss the pressure and the adrenaline of being out there with the guys,” he shared, reflecting on the unique challenges of his longest stretch of missed games in the NBA. During his absence, the Nuggets maintained a decent 10-6 record, performing well in clutch situations.

Facing Rehabilitation Challenges

Returning to the court was a learning experience for Jokic. He experienced nervousness during the rehabilitation process due to uncertainty about his recovery. “It was a new thing for me,” he explained. Despite concerns, he felt ready to compete, adding, “I was not scared to use it.”

Preparations and Mindset

Jokic opted to expedite his return rather than prolong his workouts with the Nuggets’ head of strength and conditioning. He expressed relief in returning to play instead of dealing with rigorous training. During his recovery, the team had initial worries about the severity of his injury, particularly considering Jamal Murray’s previous ACL tear.

Confidence in His Recovery

Despite the potential for a season-ending diagnosis, Jokic maintained a positive outlook on his health. He attributed part of his recovery to preparation during the summer. As the Nuggets prepare for their next matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic’s timely return plays a crucial role in the team’s strategy moving forward.

Jokic is back, fearlessly ready to lead his team on the court once again.