Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center and three-time MVP, was sidelined for Tuesday night’s highly anticipated game against the Boston Celtics due to illness. The announcement was made on the same day, as his status deteriorated from probable to questionable before he was finally ruled out.
Jokic’s absence was significant; he had been performing exceptionally well, averaging 31.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game. Head coach Michael Malone revealed during his pregame comments, "He wasn’t feeling great yesterday, and it has only gotten worse today, which is unfortunate." The Nuggets, already short-handed due to Aaron Gordon’s calf strain, faced the challenge of daring to compete against the elite Celtics team without their primary weapon.
The matchup was set to be a showdown between last year’s NBA champions and the current champions, featuring two players who recently earned player of the week honors: Jokic and the Celtics' Jayson Tatum. Tatum, who has been averaging 25 points and eight rebounds, was favored to lead Boston to victory, but the absence of the Jokic made the stakes even higher for the Nuggets.
Jokic had been feeling symptomatic since Monday and attempted to participate in warmups Tuesday but left the arena just over an hour before the scheduled tip-off. It marked the fourth game he missed this season, with previous absences coming when he welcomed the birth of his second child. The Nuggets, without their star player, faced uncertainty against the Celtics.
"We don’t have another guy averaging 32, 13 and 10," Malone said of the challenge of replacing Jokic’s statistics. His teammates DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji were next on the depth chart at center but had limited experience and scoring compared to Jokic. Malone expressed confidence, stating, "We have to play how we play," and emphasized the need for whoever was available to go out there and find ways to win.
The Nuggets struggled historically without Jokic, going 1-2 during his previous absences this season. Observers noted Denver’s net rating is significantly higher, being 25.8 points per 100 possessions when Jokic is on the court compared to when he is on the bench. Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics coach, acknowledged Jokic’s unique influence on the game, expressing, "It’s a different frequency," adding, "He’s such a guy who brings a clear identity." His absence would not just affect the scores but change the dynamics of how the game is played.
Adding to nostalgia was the fact the game would be broadcast nationally, highlighting its importance. Fans had expected to see two MVP candidates face-off under the lights of Denver’s Ball Arena, but it was now evident the matchup would lack its primary draw due to nature’s unpredictability.
Essentially both teams faced adversity heading to the hardwood without key players like Jokic and Boston’s Derrick White, who was sidelined with illness as well. White has been averaging solid contributions with 17.1 points, making his absence notable. Without two key starters, both teams had to reinvent strategies and approach the game differently, hoping to capitalize on the weaknesses of their opponent.
The Celtics aimed to improve upon their inconsistent form, having gone 5-5 over their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets, with Jokic missing, needed other players to step up. With the team already low on numbers, it was clear they were fighting against the odds.
Jokic’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Averaging 55.3% field goal shooting and leading the league with 47.3% from the three-point line, he has established himself as one of the best players to watch. The absence of such talent posed not only emotional challenges for the team but also strategic hurdles moving forward.
Overall, the effects of Jokic’s illness stretched far beyond just missing one game; they impacted Denver’s approach, lineups, and overall morale on the court. Reflecting on the upcoming games, the Nuggets look to rebound and adapt quickly, all the same applauding Jokic’s perseverance as he attentively deals with his health concerns. The hope remains for his swift return to form as Denver looks to navigate the rigorous NBA season without their focal point.