The Boston Celtics were supposed to be unbeatable at home, starting the 2023 season on a 20-game winning streak. And even though they were set to square off against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets, it wasn’t clear how Nikola Jokić would play after his mentor and old Serbian coach, Dejan Milojević, died earlier this week.
Let this be a lesson to everyone that you never underestimate the heart of a champion.
In a grind-it-out battle more reminiscent of June than January, Jokić (and Jamal Murray) led the Nuggets’ to a massive 102-100 win in Boston. Jokić, in particular, while battling his heavy heart, delivered a masterful 34-point, 12-rebound, nine-assist performance to take the Celtics from 20-0 to 20-1 at home. In a measuring stick game for his team, Jokić brought his absolute best even while grieving.
In the postgame, it was this sort of professionalism from the best NBA player in the world that Denver head coach Mike Malone was so appreciative of:
Michael Malone on Jokic's play tonight and how it honored Nikola's friend, the recently passed Dejan Milojević. pic.twitter.com/g6uYpcvrpw
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2024
Man, is someone cutting onions? Let’s rewind the meat of this Malone speech about Jokić’s toughness under challenging circumstances.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Nikola [Jokić] for playing the way he played with the tragic passing of Deki [Milojević]. That’s what you do, though. That’s why I’m proud of Nikola. Like you just love somebody that you love and care about that meant a lot to you, that was a mentor and coach to you. So, go honor him, you know what I mean? Nikola went out there. He honored Deki’s memory and his legacy by playing at the level he played at. Not easy to do with a heavy heart, but Nikola’s a special person, obviously. It was incredible to watch him play with that heavy heart and the level he played against when you consider who we’re playing, and you add everything else to the mix. That’s why Nikola’s the best player in the world.”
I don’t think anyone could’ve said it better. After losing perhaps the most important person of his basketball life, Jokić delivered a picture-perfect game in a heavyweight road win over the team with the best record in the NBA. If that doesn’t tell you who Jokić is as a player and a person, I don’t know what will.
NBA fans on Twitter loved hearing Malone's speech about Jokic
Superstar performance after a tragic couple days in the Serbian basketball community. You won't ever catch me taking this man for granted. Very lucky to watch him play. RIP Dekky https://t.co/yagERav64G
— Ben O'Brien (@enoFTTV) January 20, 2024
Impossible to dislike Michael Malone https://t.co/7AQbsvDomS
— ⚡️ JM ⚡ (@WeAreOKC) January 20, 2024
They are an excellent example of a team that has bought in to playing as one. I see brothers playing for each other. The head, the heart, the hand…all playing together for the best advantage on a shot. It’s unselfish, smooth, smart basketball and they all look happy to be there.
— Big Red Spear (@BigRedSpear) January 20, 2024
Such a touching tribute, it's amazing to see the bond between teammates and the impact they can have on each other's lives.
— NetSaverHQ (@NetSaverHQ) January 20, 2024
Genuine 🫶 https://t.co/H9CYXZeqyT
— Eddison N Huynh (@eddieh1119) January 20, 2024
Everyone to Jokic pic.twitter.com/T9KG6EbJ7L
— TopOFGame (@topofgame2986) January 20, 2024
NBA is a family❤️ https://t.co/OeYkdj7Mfb
— Gemini Rocha (@GeminiRocha) January 20, 2024
Big steppa Jokic https://t.co/U0pQHaoosZ
— Ociel Jr (@Reyna_Ociel) January 20, 2024
— Alice 🦋💜❄️▶️ (@Alice10204652) January 20, 2024
