Jokic makes stars better
Nuggets center scores five points in limited action but still is perfect teammate
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic made the best of Sunday’s All-Star Game showcase, even if the exhibition didn’t quite agree with his basketball ethos.
In a game full of soaring dunks and marginal defense, Jokic did what he does best: He made the game easier for the rest of his teammates.
In his first shift on Team LeBron, Jokic didn’t even look at the basket before tossing a perfect alley-oop lob to Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons. On other possessions, as the game devolved into something not nearly as competitive as a preseason game, Jokic didn’t even bother crossing halfcourt.
He finished with five points, two rebounds and an assist as Team LeBron prevailed in the new All-Star format.
“I really enjoyed it,” Jokic said. “I enjoyed last year, I enjoyed this year. Just enjoy the moment, just enjoy being around the guys. I scored two times, I was so happy. They snubbed me for MVP award. It doesn’t matter. Next year.”
Kawhi Leonard, who finished with a game-high 30 points, took home the hardware.
By the fourth quarter, with the stakes raised, play turned competitive. The first three quarters between Team LeBron and Team Giannis were essentially minigames, and neither side wanted to lose the fourth, whose target score of 24 was in honor of the late Kobe Bryant. That there was $300,000 for charity at stake only added to the drama.
Jokic, watching from the bench, stood the majority of the fourth quarter while charges were drawn, plays were challenged and defense, a novel concept for the exhibition, was triggered.
In the end, Anthony Davis buried a free throw to seal the 157-155 win for Team LeBron. That the game ended in such unsatisfying fashion didn’t diminish the overwhelming success of the new for
mat. An exhibition turned riveting.
It wasn’t Jokic’s ideal setting, but that’s not to say he didn’t relish the experience. He said Saturday during his media availability that he was already enjoying this All-Star Weekend more than last year’s, owing to fewer appearances and media obligations.
After he scored his first basket in the third quarter — a short jumper in the lane — Jokic threw his hands up in sarcastic delight. Russell Westbrook, a frequent on-court rival, even rejoiced in the make. After another 3-pointer toward the end of the third, Jokic dropped to a knee and pumped his fist heading into a timeout.
Wearing the commemorative No. 2 jersey for Gigi Bryant, Kobe’s daughter, Jokic laughed and joked around with his fellow teammates. He looked at ease among his peers, and it’s hard to believe he won’t be back in next year’s All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
But Sunday’s game was far more significant than just a platform to celebrate the league’s best players.
It opened with a stirring tribute to Bryant and former NBA commissioner David Stern, both giants of the game who died this season. Magic Johnson addressed the crowd and praised Stern’s compassionate approach to his HIV diagnosis. Johnson then led an eight-second moment of silence in honor of Bryant.
The tribute continued with an emotional performance by Jennifer Hudson as a video montage of Bryant rolled in the background. Near the end, the United Center lights beamed purple and gold in Bryant’s honor. game