Jokic Can’t Be Stopped: “I’m Not Relaxed When I’m on the Bench”
Jokic leads the way with a triple-double of 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists against the Suns, and reveals how he feels when he’s subbed out
There are nights when the Denver Nuggets seem to be playing a completely different game. Their home opener against the Phoenix Suns was one of those nights. After a shaky start to the season, Denver got back on track with a commanding 133–111 win that left no room for doubt.
Nikola Jokic recorded his second consecutive triple-double, stamping his authority on the game with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists on just eight shot attempts – and, as often happens, he made everything look absurdly easy.
The other encouraging sign? The Nuggets continue to perform well even when the three-time MVP isn’t on the floor – though Jokic still feels the weight of responsibility.
There’s no rest for me. I can’t stay calm when I’m on the bench.
Nikola Jokic
Denver, however, looks like a much deeper and more balanced team this year – something that had often been missing in past seasons. Still, when Jokic is on the court, everything changes. His vision and instincts turn him into a true orchestra conductor, letting his teammates handle the melody.
I didn’t expect Gordon to go for a 360 – he’s a freak of nature.
Nikola Jokic
And he’s not wrong. Aaron Gordon’s 360-degree dunk – a full rotation in midair worthy of a dunk contest – is already a top highlight candidate of the week.
Jamal Murray, after a quiet opening night, bounced back in style: 23 points, clutch buckets, and that trademark spark that ignites the arena every time the ball touches his hands. Gordon added 17 points and his usual physical presence that keeps the team balanced.
On the other side, Devin Booker tried to keep the Suns alive with 31 points, but the fatigue of playing back-to-back games showed. A 14–2 Denver run in the fourth quarter sealed it, restoring the Nuggets’ identity – a well-oiled machine, entertaining yet ruthless when its stars are in sync.
The season is still young, but if this is Denver’s opening statement, the throne of the West still has only one rightful owner.