"Jokic is a Beast!" Nuggets Coach After Triumph: Nikola Took Risks at the Rim, That's What We Need! /VIDEO/

Yes, I actually thought we did a lot of good things in the first half. But we still hadn't resolved some issues with cuts and movements we were allowing, similar to the game against Utah. However, I felt the team defense showed much better effort and focus in that first period. Then, in the second half, we corrected those problems with cuts. We were much more physical on the ball during screens. We tried fewer switches than a couple of nights ago against Utah, and I think that paid off. Simply put, better basketball engagement on that end of the floor. On the other hand, we always know we're going to score. We didn't shoot well in the first half, but it's good to have a game like this where you win, and you can look back and say that the hard work on defense in the first half is why you even had a chance to celebrate. We were down by seven points while not playing well, knowing we could "pack" 70 or 80 points in a half, plain and simple. And we did – a good win and great effort from the guys. Winning streaks are specific because you start looking only at the numbers, and you forget that sometimes during that streak, you don't play your best, but you still win. Tonight was a really good win, one we can build on, review the tape, learn from, and prepare for Utah – it seems they always give us a tough time until the very end.

Yeah, there was one timeout where I just reflected on my day – I woke up thinking Aaron Gordon would start the game, and he didn't. Then Spence goes out, then Kem comes out, and I thought Zeke had a great impact on the game, and he had to leave too. So, hats off to the guards. We had smaller guys guarding Porzingis, battling with him, trying to "front" him because that's your only option. We also played some zone, and I think JV was ready to play exactly as you'd hope. He's a professional we talked about before the game, and I'm hoping for good news tomorrow. Of course, it's good that we have these two days off until the next game to prepare for Utah. But yeah, it's funny how our season unfolds. It's never just one guard and one wing, or a guard and a center. It's always a whole group of players at the same position that drops out. We'll adapt as we need to try and win the next game.

Yes, I think that's accurate. It's funny, in today's NBA, giving up 56 points in a half isn't that bad. That's actually probably the best defense in the league. So, 40 is absurdly good. I'd love for it to be like that every night. But again, I try to stick to the game plan as much as possible. I told them that in the locker room after the game. Sometimes the plan might not work, and we'll have to adapt, but you have to at least put in the effort for what we agreed to try and achieve. Only then can we switch to zone, mix defenses, change matchups, or whatever else is needed. I think what the guys did tonight – unlike a couple of nights ago when we got frustrated and started making things up due to poor offense and turnovers – is something I hope can be consistent heading into the playoffs. First, we have to get there, but yes, this was a good game to analyze.

It's actually tough, because there are moments in the first half when he'll allow a basket, and you're right, it's precisely because of that. In the second half, he was very aggressive on the ball. They run those split actions from the top of the key and from the elbow, they've been forcing that forever. He committed some fouls aggressively attacking the ball, but that's a good thing. That's how you want to defend the whole game, but you can't do that when a player spends as many minutes on the court as he does. So, I think that was good. It allowed him to be aggressive in the second half. He took risks at the rim, trying to go vertical or block shots, and that's what we need from him. You know, when our defense breaks down, our guards get beaten. Yes, a great performance for Nikola too – 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists. He's been on an incredible run lately, man. He's a beast.

I still don't know. I spoke with all of them. Players always tell you they'll be fine after things like that. I think we'll have a better understanding tomorrow. I haven't received information on whether they had an MRI or X-rays, but I think Steve will give me detailed information about the prognosis tomorrow.

Yes, I really was glad. And you know what? Maybe I haven't highlighted Zeke enough; he's been so good this year in a role that can be very frustrating. He's been a true professional all year. The way he works... you know, you communicate with people daily, you have this job where you make decisions about their lives and careers. You can feel when someone truly means what they say. Zeke has been incredibly honest all year in his approach. And that's why I think tonight, when Aaron was a last-minute scratch and all this happened, he was ready. He had a big impact, he was very good defensively. I'm glad he stood by his teammates, and you just feel bad for him – he finally gets a chance to play and then gets injured. But yes, I'm proud of Zeke all season. He's fun to coach, he's a good person, and he plays the piano very well, by the way.