Did you happen to catch the end of that Lakers-Nuggets playoff game last night? The Nuggets were down by 20 in the second half, but slowly, relentlessly, they came back. A full blow-by-blow LA Times account of the game, complete with sour grapes from Laker coach Darvin Ham and aging superstar LeBron James, is here. ICYMI: Jamal Murray was the big Nuggets hero last night winning it on the final shot. But for my money, the Big Guy from Sombor Serbia, Nikola Jokic, reigns supreme in just about everything he touches, both on and off the court: Devoted family man. Horse lover. And spokesmodel for Despicable Me 4, coming soon to a theater near you. See the trailer, here.
Oh, did I forget to mention? He’s an MVPX2 and gets more Triple Doubles than anybody since Oscar Robertson. Plus, he’s the odds-on favorite to win his second NBA title – and 3rd MVP in 4 years – this season. Not half bad for the 41st pick in the 2014 draft, eh?
Consider for instance the hubub over his full-bore funny Gru attire upon arrival at Ball Arena yesterday. No way Joel Embid or Anthony Davis pulls off that look. None. Let’s just hope Zach Edey (7’4″ phenom from Purdue, often criticized for being “dour,” but still a likely lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft) is taking notes. Because ya just gotta love a Big Man with a wry sense of humor. Also, ya just gotta love the fact that “Joker” (as he is affectionately know to us in Denver) is hands down the best basketball player on the planet right now – not that I’m biased or anything. Well, at least he’s the best since LeBron James started collecting Social Security benefits that is.
