It was an eventful Thursday night for the Denver Nuggets, as they took care of business against a strong opponent in the Memphis Grizzlies to clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth. It was also a historic performance for Nikola Jokić, who entered the history books with a never-before-seen feat.
Jokić became the first player in NBA history to accrue 2,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds, and 500-plus assists in a single season. And while Ball Arena showed their love for the Nuggets' superstar through uproarious applause, perhaps no one felt more pride than head coach Michael Malone.
Malone and Jokić have been tied together since the Serbian big man entered the NBA as a second-round draft pick in 2015. As a pair, Malone and Jokić have led the Nuggets to four consecutive playoff appearances, and are one of two NBA teams to reach the second round each of the last three seasons.
So as the regular season winds to a close and members of the NBA media begin submitting their 2021-22 season award ballots, Malone had just one name in mind for the league's most prestigious award: the MVP. "2,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds, and 500-plus assists, it's just remarkable what he's done," Malone said.
"I know I'm very biased, I admit that wholeheartedly. The MVP isn't even a competition," Malone said of Jokić potentially winning the award for the second straight season. "There are other great players, I'm not saying there aren't other great players, but what Nikola Jokić has done this year, with this team, with everything we've had to go through, is incredible. He was good last year, and he's even better this year."
The NBA's MVP award has been a highly contested debate for much of the season, with Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid serving as the other primary candidate. But in the mind of Malone, it's difficult to see any other outcome than Jokić raising his second consecutive Maurice Podoloff Trophy.
Malone's argument is not without backing. Jokić is averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists 58.3/33.7/81.0 shooting splits, and has led his team to 48 wins and a playoff spot despite the team's second and third-highest paid players missing nearly the entire season. His advanced metrics are historically good, garnering the highest single-season Player Efficiency Rating in NBA history.
Of course, none of this has had any effect on the near-stubborn humility of Jokić. While he puts together superstar statlines on a nightly basis, he can often be found singing the praises of his teammates and the Nuggets fanbase for putting him in a place to succeed.
It was no different on Thursday night, after what could easily be described as the biggest accomplishment of his career to this point. "Of course, it's a nice moment," Jokić calmly stated. "I'm going to remember that probably my whole life... I just love Nuggets fans, they're always on my side and always bringing the energy that we need."
When asked if the many personal accolades have changed his mindset regarding his place among the league's best players, Jokić stayed within himself. "To be honest, I think there are a lot of guys that play at an extremely high level right now in the NBA."
"I'm just trying to be humble and stay on the ground... I don't think about that, to be honest, if I'm one of the best in the league. I'm just trying to win the game, that's my approach."
In a way, Jokić and Malone were built to succeed alongside one another. Both have devoted everything towards winning at the highest level, and while Jokić remains humble about all he's accomplished, Malone has no issues shouting his pride in his superstar from the rooftops.
After Thursday night, the Nuggets have earned the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage and fight for the elusive championship. Meanwhile, Jokić -- or Coach Malone on his behalf -- can celebrate a permanent mark on NBA history, potentially securing the league's 15th back-to-back MVP win in the process.