Nikola Jokic said reduced paychecks would be handed out in Serbia for the performance the Nuggets have been putting out. He then, smilingly, said benching some players might increase their motivation as well.
Nikola Jokic scored his career-high and registered a statline that had never been seen before in NBA history, but it still wasn't enough for the Denver Nuggets to beat the Washington Wizards. After the game, Jokic suggested some changes to be made.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
31
|
| Jordan Poole | |
| Points | 39 |
| Accuracy | 12-26 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 8 |
Jokic scored 56 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, dished out 8 assists, and made 3 three-pointers. No player in NBA history had had at least 55, 15, 8, and 3 in these categories, respectively, in a single game before.
The Wizards won their first game since October 30th, snapping a 16-game losing streak.
"A reaction," Jokic said via Bennett Durando from the Denver Post when he was asked what the team needed. "In my country, where I'm coming from, after this kind of stretch, you’re gonna get a paycheck that is a little bit less than you are worth. So maybe that's what we need to do. Maybe a little motivation that way."
"What's the name of it? Being benched? Being on the bench, I think that's really good motivation, too," he later said with a smile.
With 11 wins and 10 losses, the Nuggets are currently 9th in the Western Conference.
