The Denver Nuggets are slowly getting things back together this preseason and have now improved to a 2-1 record after taking down the Chicago Bulls 133-128 in a hard-fought matchup.
It was Denver's most complete game of the offseason so far offensively, with forward Aaron Gordon leading the way with 25 points in a true return to form for the fan-favorite forward while center Nikola Jokic wasn't far behind with a 22 point triple-double, adding 11 rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 8-12 from the field.
All but one starting Nuggets, guard Christian Braun, scored in the double digits while strong performances from forward DaRon Holmes II, forward Bryce Hopkins and guard Julian Strawther off the bench helped bolster the Nuggets to victory.
With the regular season inching ever closer, seeing the Nuggets play to a level so close to their midseason form is a great sign. The Nugget will have a lot to prove this season and after an offseason where the top teams in the NBA improved so rapidly around then, the Nuggets can't afford to give an inch on the court against anyone.
Passion From Jokic
That's also why the message that Jokic shared during his on-court interview after the game was so encouraging, as it displayed a competitive spirt within the Serbian star that may have seemed to be lacking at times.
"I love to win the game. I love basketball," Jokic said (via NBA). "I think every detail matters, especially when the young guys are playing. It's good to see how they learn, how they care; I enjoy it."
Even after Jokic was sat down for the rest of the game with a triple-double to his name, that didn't mean he was ready to simply coast until the final buzzer sounded. Jokic was engaged the entire time, offering advice and encouragement to the young players on the squad that were impressing during their preseason opportunities.
What He Adds As A Leader
Jokic has been the undisputed leader among the Nuggets for a long time now, just as long as he's been the undisputed best player on the roster. But in the small sample size that the preseason has so far given, he's embraced that role more than ever.
After the disappointment of last season's first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic is coming into this season with a fire in his belly that he's been happy to share with the rest of the team.
His talent has never been in question, nor has his basketball mind, but Jokic also has the ability to lend a truly intense spirit to the team, like he did against the Bulls, and if that's the Jokic that the Nuggets have throughout the season, they'll be in very good hands.