WARRIORS GET 127-108 VICTORY IN DENVER

Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is appointment television when Steve Kerr is flipping through NBA games on nights the Golden State Warriors don’t play.

Kerr called Jokic “one of my favorite players in the league” because of his vision and passing ability. Kerr has seen Jokic’s wide skill set firsthand; Jokic posted a triple-double (17 points, 21 rebounds and 12 assists) the last time their teams met.

“I always love watching players who just seem to be a move ahead on the chess board, and he’s one of those guys,” said Kerr, who compared Jokic to Arvydas Sabonis. “They run everything through him and around him. He’s like the middle of the pinwheel, and you’ve got all these cutters and shooters around him. That’s why they’re so dynamic.”

Kerr also praised the Nuggets’ offseason acquisition of Paul Millsap, whom the coach said gives Denver “a little different vibe, a little edge” because of his versatility and defensive toughness.

“I like what they’re doing here,” Kerr said. “They’ve got a nice, young roster, a good coach (Michael Malone). It all seems to be coming together.”

Crunchtime at the point. Jamal Murray recently put together a terrific stretch for the Nuggets, averaging 23.3 points while shooting 60 percent from the floor and 41 percent from 3-point range against the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.

But Murray scored only three points and made 1-of-6 shots in 21 minutes Friday against the Heat, a performance Malone described as a “dud.” Malone turned to Emmanuel Mudiay and even Will Barton at point guard down the stretch of the Nuggets’ victory.

That’s life with a 20-year-old starting point guard, Malone said.

“That’s the luxury of having the roster that we have,” Malone said. “It’s going to come down to game by game. Who is going to give us the best chance to win? That guy will be the guy that closes the games.”