Michael Malone's Statement on Nikola Jokic's Absence from the Nuggets

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has missed the last three games due to personal reasons. The Nuggets lost the first two games Jokic missed but were able to respond with a win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

Denver got great contributions from the top and bottom of the roster in this game. Jamal Murray 27 points, Michael Porter Jr. The duo, consisting of Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, took the lead with 24 points and 34 points. With Jokic losing his triple-double average, Russell Westbrook recorded the 200th triple-double of his career in the victory.

Speaking about Jokic’s pregame, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone said, via Bennett Durando of the Denver Post: “I have no idea about Friday (against the Mavericks). No word from Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home . See where everything goes with his family.”

Michael Malone talked about Nikola Jokic’s timeline during the Nuggets’ return to Denver following tonight’s NBA Cup game in Memphis: “I have no idea about Friday (vs. Mavericks). No word from Denver, that’s it.” So we’ll kind of revisit that when we get home. See where everything goes with his family.”

— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) 20 November 2024

Altitude TV’s Katy Winge recently reported that Jokic and his family are doing well and the absence is nothing to worry about.

Via Winge: “Respecting Nikola’s wishes, we will not say anything more about his personal reasons for missing tonight’s match. I can confirm that he and his family are fine and there is nothing to worry about!”

Out of respect for Nikola’s wishes, we will not say anything further about his personal reasons for missing tonight’s game. I can confirm that he and his family are fine and there is nothing to worry about! https://t.co/lwmWd8Vxzh

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) 15 November 2024