Weekly Nugget: Denver Nuggets player of the week
Weekly Nugget celebrates the performance of one player for the Denver Nuggets. This week’s winner shouldn’t be a surprise.
The week of September 9th to 15th gave the fans more cheers than jeers. Winning three of four games is a great week, especially when your best player shines in all of the contests. The Denver Nuggets needed a standout week from Nikola Jokic.
Last week’s schedule, although star-studded, wasn’t playoff preview heavy. Nevertheless, the Denver Nuggets, specifically Nikola Jokic, handled business like the vintage Patriots teams annually beating its weak division.
Out of the four games, the win over Portland is the most significant. Carmelo Anthony was back in the city he started his career in after a recent career resurgence. More importantly, the divisional foe, Portland Trail Blazers, desperate for a win after a disappointing start to the season.
Despite the eye-popping stat line from Hassan Whiteside, Nikola Jokic won the matchup and the game by scoring 20 points, recording 11 rebounds six assists, and converting two of five three-point shots.
Not quite superstar production, but an assertive Jokic is always a pleasure to witness. and, more importantly, efficient performance to boot. Whiteside, the polarizing personality and performer, produced at a high level. It was impressive watching Jokic outplay the gaudy numbers from the inconsistent center.
The numbers
Unfortunately, Nikola Jokic, regardless of his FIBA participation, is performing below the MVP standards set by fans and critics alike. All of his counting stats are down from last season. Not only is Jokic producing at a lesser level, but the Denver Nuggets also suffering from a hangover from its breakout 2018-2019 campaign.
Thankfully, just in time for the holiday season, Jokic seems to have found his groove. Last week saw the All-Star center average 22 points, 8.5 assists, 10.5 rebounds. Jokic is on his way back to MVP form if he continues to produce at such a high level, of course.