Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon agree two Denver Nuggets teammates are ‘winners’ after win over Warriors

On By Littum

The Denver Nuggets may be finding an identity to hang their hat on.

With Nikola Jokic at the helm, there is no excuse for the Denver Nuggets not being a top team in the Western Conference. They don’t have to be the top seed, but they should be in play as one of the best and most threatening teams in the conference.

With an 11-8 record through 19 games, the Nuggets are four games back of the No. 1, while they sit at seed no. 8 in the conference. That’s just how tight the West is. A lot can change in the standings over the next 60-plus games, which is incredibly exciting.

For the Nuggets, they have an opportunity to build an identity with their current roster construction that could be huge. After their recent win over the Golden State Warriors, Jokic and Aaron Gordon were complimented by two Denver role players.

Dereck Lively II #2 of the Dallas Mavericks guards Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Ball Aren...
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Jokic and Gordon name two ‘winning players’ on the squad

As mentioned, the Nuggets have plenty of time to figure out their identity and how to incorporate their bench players into the lineup while maintaining productivity. The Milwaukee Bucks are a prime example of a team doing just that this season as they have turned things around in spectacular fashion.

The Nuggets could benefit from such a turnaround, and they might want two key players to step up and play a style of basketball that will help the club win basketball games. Both Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun played a big role in Denver’s recent victory over the Warriors.

Both Jokic and Gordon praised Westbrook and Braun for their efforts in the contest.

“It’s winning games. It’s winning players,” Jokic said of the duo playing with hustle.

Westbrook’s entire career has been defined by him playing with high motor skills and never lacking effort or hustle. He makes winning plays no matter what narrative surrounds him. Gordon had a similar message about the two.

“Just winners, man,” Gordon said of the two. “They’re just winners all the way through. They have so much heart and it shows in the game.”

Jokic’s MVP-caliber season continues

The Nuggets pulled out the 119-115 win, and while the efforts of Westbrook and Braun were beneficial, Jokic put up another elite stat line. In 40 minutes, he posted 38 points, ten rebounds and six assists while converting on 14 of his 24 shot attempts. He was also a plus-23 in the box in those minutes.

Considering the Serbian superstar has won three of the last four MVP trophies, it’s hard to imagine him topping his performances in these seasons, right? Not exactly. He is having a career year averaging 30.1 points per game. game along with his 13 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. match.

Jokic has been outstanding and the only reason he doesn’t win the MVP is because of voter fatigue or team record. But if the Nuggets can get into the top four seeds and Jokic maintains his statistical averages, he should win his fourth MVP in five years – just like LeBron James did earlier in his career.

If Denver can get continuous effort from Westbrook and Braun along with MVP-caliber play from Jokic, the Nuggets should be able to make some runs. However, Jamal Murray still needs to step up as Gordon’s influence has been consistent, but they need their star guard to return to form.

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