Really, I think any famous “Joker” quote would work when describing Nikola Jokic. And we’re talking of course about Batman’s Joker, not some random funny dude. And of course, we are talking about NBA’s Nikola Jokic, not those really great tasting Swedish cough drops… or whatever. Well, maybe the movie line about cutting up someone’s poodles may not work, but still, after producing the most Jokic triple-double ever of 14/11/16 on 100/100/100 shooting splits, one must look out for those poodles. While yes, I also do tire a bit of how much he’s been in the MVP conversation the last half-decade (even winning some here and there), it’s probably because he puts up the most elite boring performances I have ever seen and we’re all better off for it, for sure. Fun fact, in 37 games so far this year, Jokic has only shot below 50% in one of them. Another fun fact! In just the 12 games he’s scored under 20 points, he’s averaged 11 rebounds and 12 assists with a +12.5. Can someone really sleepwalk to the Hall of Fame? I think we’re about to find out. Here’s what else I saw during yesterday’s short slate of games:
Kristaps Porzingis – 34 MIN, 8-16 FG, 3-5 3PT, 4-4 FT, 10 REB, 1 AST, 1 TO, -2, 23 PTS. Another great night for a great season. Health is always a big deal, but it’s sadder that another season is wasting away in DC. If I were to pick the top three teams that need Wemby, it’s probably the Rockets, Hornets and then the Wizards, but only two of those teams really has a chance. The Beal handout looks worse and worse as the season goes on. This organization just doesn’t know how to tank.
Larry Nance – 26 MIN, 3-6 FG, 6 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, +30, 6 PTS. +30!?
Zachery LaVine – 42 MIN, 10-24 FG, 4-13 3PT, 3-3 FT, 7 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL, 1 TO, -12, 27 PTS. Maybe DeMar going down last night (day-to-day with quad strain) got him in the right place? Definitely played with a chip on his shoulder last night.
Jayson Tatum – 38 MIN, 10-21 FG, 4-11 3PT, 8-8 FT, 8 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL, 1 TO, +14, 32 PTS. Tatum has cooled off from his hot start but remains a great basketball player. Controversial statement, I know!
Jalen Brunson – 39 MIN, 15-30 FG, 4-10 3PT, 10-10 FT, 7 REB, 4 AST, 3 TO, -2, 44 PTS. Mark Cuban, you are so dumb.
Jrue Holiday – 34 MIN, 5-14 FG, 3-9 3PT, 2-2 FT, 5 REB, 9 AST, 1 TO, +7, 15 PTS. Last night during the fourth quarter, New York became Jrue York.
Isaiah Hartenstein – 10 MIN, 0-6 FG, 0-1 3PT, 4 REB, -3. His minutes are a crime against humanity.
Julius Randle – 40 MIN, 9-29 FG, 1-12 3PT, 6-7 FT, 16 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 3 TO, +2, 25 PTS. 9-29 definitely sticks out, but don’t forget that Randle has been having such a solid stretch with close to 30 PPG the last 10.
Cole Anthony – 29 MIN, 3-13 FG, 0-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, 7 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, -34, 8 PTS. Anthony losing millions of dollars off his next contract every game now…
Harrison Barnes – 30 MIN, 11-13 FG, 6-7 3PT, 2-3 FT, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 TO, +17, 30 PTS. LIGHT. THE. BEAM.
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
