Teammates: Jokic has to take the initiative

MEMPHIS» The Nuggets can’t afford their superstar to be gun shy.

The only shot Nikola Jokic took in Wednesday’s 89-87 loss at Memphis came with three seconds left and the Nuggets down two. He had passed on several open looks earlier in the game but with time winding down, Jokic was forced to try from 3-point range, a shot he missed.

On a night when the offense was bogged down by Memphis’ slow, churning style and the frontcourt starters — Jokic, Paul Millsap and Torrey Craig – combined for 11 points, the Nuggets needed an assertive star.