Mike Malone praises Nikola Jokic after Denver Nuggets Game 7 win over San Antonio Spurs
Wednesday 30 October 2019 15:56, UK
Denver coach Mike Malone believes Nikola Jokic displayed his "greatness" as the center's triple-double led the Nuggets to a Game 7 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
The second-seeded Nuggets had been pushed to a decider by the Spurs, but ultimately advanced to play the fourth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers in the conference semifinals.
Having scored a career-high 43 points in Thursday's Game 6 defeat in San Antonio, Jokic maintained his fine form with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as the Nuggets held on for a 90-86 victory.
"I think it speaks to Nikola's greatness," Malone said of Jokic's performance.
"I think it speaks to him never being afraid of the moment or never being overwhelmed."
Spurs coach Gregg Popovic gave a short but telling reflection on Jokic's series, which he ended with averages of 23.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists.
"He's magnificent. Magnificent," Popovich said. "I'll just leave it at that."
Popovich's seventh-seeded Spurs were close to pulling off a major upset as they closed to within two points in the final minute, having trailed for the entire game.
However, Jamal Murray, who led the Nuggets in scoring with 23 points, made a clutch floating jump shot to ensure the home team held on.
"Even late when they made their run, with their two veterans Demar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge taking over the game, we never lost our composure," Malone said.
The Nuggets have minimal time to prepare for their series against the Blazers, with Game 1 to take place on Monday night in Denver.
"Obviously you're extremely happy and proud of your guys," Malone said. "It's a hell of a moment, but as I told our players, 'enjoy it for a few minutes'.
"It's quick turn around. We've got Portland in two days."
Game 1 of the Nuggets' Western Conference semifinals series against the Portland Trail Blazers takes place in the early hours of Tuesday morning (3:30am).
