The Golden State Warriors secured a hard-fought win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, overcoming another masterclass performance from Nikola Jokic. The reigning MVP nearly notched another triple-double with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent a second consecutive loss — following his career-high 61-point outburst against Minnesota earlier in the week.
Jokic’s Brilliance Continues in Vain
Jokic’s stat-stuffing performances have become routine, but they haven’t always translated into wins lately. Despite his incredible production, Denver has dropped back-to-back games — and frustrations might be rising for the Serbian star. Still, if there’s any silver lining, it came postgame when Warriors head coach Steve Kerr showered Jokic with extraordinary praise.
Kerr: “Jokic Is the Best Center I’ve Ever Seen”
Speaking after the game, Kerr didn’t hesitate to place Jokic in the highest echelon of NBA big men.
“I don’t think it’s fair to compare different eras,” Kerr prefaced, “but Jokic is the best center I’ve ever seen play.”
Kerr, who played against all-time greats during his career, went on to directly reference Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer before LeBron James passed him.
“I played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and he wasn’t able to do all the things Jokic does,” Kerr explained. “Now we’re in the modern era of basketball and we’re looking at a player who’s doing things that no one had ever done before.”
Beyond Skills: Jokic’s Mind Makes the Difference
While Kerr acknowledged Jokic’s elite skills, he believes the Serbian’s basketball IQ is what truly sets him apart.
“With Jokic, the issue goes beyond his fundamentals. It’s about his desire to compete and his intelligence,” Kerr said. “He is without a doubt one of the smartest players ever, and you can see how he uses that intelligence in so many ways.”
A Crowning Compliment
Coming from a four-time championship coach and former player who has witnessed generations of NBA talent, Kerr’s words carry weight. Declaring Jokic not only better than Kareem but possibly the greatest center ever is no small claim — and it may further fuel the debate around Jokic’s place in basketball history.
