The Nuggets got a much-needed victory on Sunday in Houston to close out a tough road trip at 2-2 without Nikola Jokic. All things considered, things could have been a lot worse. It looked worse and felt worse at times, but again, factoring in the schedule and absence of Jokic, a 2-2 trip is pretty solid.
The win in Houston was largely thanks to a monstrous explosion by Jamal Murray, who put up 39 points and 7 assists on 15/28 shooting. He was completely dominant from start to finish, looking like vintage playoff Murray even against a very tough and physical Rockets defense.
It was a great sign and a vital win, but this stretch still felt more like treading water than anything else. The team needs Jokic back at full strength, and the sooner the better. There is still a lot to be fought for seeding-wise, and the team needs time to play together and get into a rhythm before the playoffs start.
Jokic has missed the past four games with ankle and elbow injuries. When it was first announced that he would miss Monday night’s game, many felt that this was just a matter of rest and time off. Jokic and the Nuggets had been looking fatigued and it made sense to start managing his minutes.
But that was four games ago. Now, it appears pretty clear that this is about much more than rest and that Jokic is managing actual injuries that have been hampering him. The ankle issue has shown up in some of his movements and the elbow issue has popped up with his shooting.
Nikola Jokic set to return during Nuggets’ homestand
While the Nuggets’ road trip is over, Jokic’s absence apparently is not. Michael Malone announced on Sunday that Jokic is unlikely to play in Monday’s back-to-back against the Bulls. On a positive note, Malone did indicate that Jokic will return at some point during this five-game homestand.
He also acknowledged that the starters need time to play together and with just 10 games left in the regular season, the time for that to happen is quickly running out. There’s a balance to be had here as the Nuggets obviously want the team to be clicking and ready to hit the ground running. But they also need the team to be as close to 100% healthy and well-rested as possible.
With the current state of the Western Conference, the Nuggets aren’t out of the woods just yet in terms of avoiding the play-in tournament and even if they do, their first-round opponent is likely going to be a very difficult matchup.
So, Jokic won’t be back on Monday night, but hopefully, he will be back, possibly as soon as Wednesday against the Bucks. If he’s ready, there’s a chance the team’s full starting lineup and bench rotation can get a few games and reps in together, and they’ll be primed for the beginning of the playoffs in mid-April.