By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jokic scored a career-high 56 points and finished the game just two assists shy of an impressive triple-double, but the Denver Nuggets still fell to the Washington Wizards.
The Colorado team was shorthanded due to injuries, and despite Jokic’s heroics, they lost to the team with the worst record in the NBA this season. After another disappointing performance, Jokic called on his team to respond.
“In my country, where I’m coming from, after this kind of stretch, you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth. So maybe that’s what we need to do. Maybe a little motivation that way,” Jokic said.
He also suggested another potential wake-up call for the Nuggets.
“What’s the name of it? Being benched? Being on the bench, I think that’s really good motivation, too,” he added with a smile.
Denver has gone 4-7 over its last 11 games and holds an overall 11-10 record in the Western Conference standings, despite Jokic averaging 29.9 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.4 assists in 17 appearances this season.