“If a 3-time MVP can do it, I can do it, too.”
The Denver Nuggets looked dead in the water, sitting in a disastrous 2-0 series hole after losing both of their first two home games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic on their side, the reigning NBA champions are never truly out of it.
They just have to bring their best punch and follow their leader’s example.
Arguably, no one on the Nuggets roster walks in lockstep better with Jokic than his frontcourt teammate, Aaron Gordon. This was evident during the Nuggets duo’s marvelous Game 4 performance to tie the series.
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While Jokic was busy scoring at will (35 points on 15-of-26 shooting) on Sunday night, Gordon seamlessly transitioned to a “point forward” role. He made all the little hustle plays, scored from all over the floor, and created for his teammates just like Jokic would as Denver’s backup center. A monster 27-point, seven-rebound, six-assist effort where Gordon shot 91 percent from the field (11-of-12) almost doesn’t do his tremendous performance justice.
After the game, Gordon was asked where he learned to be so selfless while wearing many hats for the Nuggets. With Jokic standing just behind him, off to the side, Gordon profoundly explained that he simply follows the league MVP’s example, and everything generally takes care of itself:
Hoo boy, that’s a powerful quote about team basketball right there.
Here’s Gordon’s thoughts on Jokic’s selflessness rubbing off on him (and the rest of the Nuggets):
“That guy, man [nods toward Jokic standing behind him], that’s where I learned to be selfless,” Gordon said. “I learned it from him, man. He’s the best basketball player in the world, three-time MVP, and he’s the most selfless, humble dude that you’ll ever meet. If a three-time MVP can do it, I can do it, too.”
That sentiment right there encapsulates Nuggets under Jokic’s leadership.
Jokic is not a rah-rah guy. He almost always has an even-keeled approach and reaction to everything. But he still leads by example. And his preferred way of playing basketball is getting his teammates involved while essentially telling everyone to follow the leader. Jokic may as well be the definition of making his teammates better.
When you’re a talented player like Gordon, it’s hard not to see Jokic’s approach and try to emulate him. That selfless mentality really is contagious.
