The Denver Nuggets have long awaited the return of their superstar after a lengthy absence.
The Denver Nuggets were enjoying an MVP-caliber season by star Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game. However, he has been off the court since Dec. 29 when the three-time MVP hyperextended his left knee with a bone bruise against the Miami Heat. He’s since been sidelined, and the Nuggets have missed him. Thankfully, that wait is set to be over, as Jokic will make his return against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. It couldn’t come at a better time ahead of their Western Conference showdown.
Even more importantly, it puts Jokic on track to play in Sunday’s contest against Oklahoma City and be eligible for postseason awards. Now, in his absence, Denver has performed considerably well, going 10-6 in the stretch without the face of their franchise. They are currently 32-16 and in third place in the Western Conference, largely thanks to the contributions of Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson stepping up in a major way.
Here is the full story from Nuggets Roundtable writer Grant Mona on the huge news that couldn’t come at a better time.
While the Nuggets have held their own without Jokic, they are down another starter and could really use the boost. Forward Aaron Gordon is now out for four to six weeks after re-aggravating his right hamstring strain. They’ll now look to fend off the Kawhi Leonard-led Clippers in a massive showdown with Los Angeles coming off three straight wins. The return of Jokic is the perfect boost.