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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been playing professional basketball long enough to know that talent alone is not enough to win in the NBA. There are many factors involved, including luck, but ultimately, it rests on the players.
After their tight 114-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Jokic became the newest motivational guru after sharing to reporters a philosophical remark (via Nuggets reporter Joel Rush).
“The basketball gods always give a little bit of luck to the people who play hard.”
“The basketball gods always give a little bit of luck to the people who play hard.”
-Nikola Jokic
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) April 29, 2021
Jokic isn’t dissing the Pelicans for playing lazily. He’s simply proud that they continue to play their hearts out and managed to notch another victory. Jokic had 32 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists to pace the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. chipped in 28 points, while Facundo Campazzo had career-high numbers of 19 markers, six rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Nuggets are on their way to their third straight trip to the NBA Playoffs and remain one of the elite clubs in the Western Conference. And that’s not only because of luck. Jokic has become an MVP contender by continuing to work hard, including losing a ton of weight since last season.
Things, however, will be much more difficult for Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets without Jamal Murray who fell to an ACL injury, plus Will Barton expected to miss extended time due to a hamstring setback.
Despite this, analysts are not discounting the Nuggets’ chances. They do have Aaron Gordon on their roster, as well as Austin Rivers who has plenty of postseason experience. Not to mention Michael Porter Jr. who seems to be getting better with every game. And of course, how can they not be motivated with Nikola Jokic around?
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