Nikola Jokic nears 20-20-10 triple-double as Nuggets beat Dallas

Vinny Benedetto: Aaron Gordon takes another step forward. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Dallas with the right calf strain. Jamal Murray is also questionable with left knee inflammation. Nikola Jokic is probable with the illness. Cancar, Holmes, Hall and Jones are out. -via Bluesky / January 11, 2025

Westbrook’s playmaking, however, has been and remains elite. More importantly, Jokić being so dominant has provided space and opportunity for Westbrook to make plays for himself and others, especially in the half court. Westbrook still being a prime-level playmaker but also able to make those plays from a secondary spot on the floor has given the Denver offense a significant boost. “He’s special because of how dynamic he is,” Jokić said of Westbrook. “He’s able to push the pace and get others involved. You can see how guys run the lanes when he has the ball in transition, because they know if they get open, the ball is going to find them.” -via New York Times / January 11, 2025

Vinny Benedetto: Nikola Jokic on his illness: “It was everything – head, nose, my chest, a little bit my throat. My body felt weak, so it was really weird. … I felt a little bit more tired. Second half was much better than the first half. First half, I almost died.” -via Twitter @VBenedetto / January 11, 2025