The Denver Nuggets picked up a huge 134-133 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, overcoming a 23-point deficit to extend their road winning streak to nine games. While Nikola Jokic shined with 40 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, the Nuggets had their best stretch of basketball while he was on the bench.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets went on a 20-0 run while Jokic was on the bench, turning a nine-point deficit into an 11-point lead. It is rare for the Nuggets to see that type of success while Jokic is out of the game, so what happened?
After Friday’s win, Jokic explained what he saw from the sideline that led to the huge 20-0 run.
“I think in that period, we were the ones who dictated the tempo of the game,” Jokic said. “We created the offense. We were moving the ball. I think in that moment, they had one-two pass shot, and we control the defensive rebound. And everybody had a little moment. Bruce had a three, Tim had a three. Cam had a three. Jonas had a big dunk. Jamal had a tough and-one. Everybody had a moment.’