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Jamal Murray was the undisputed hero of the victory, delivering one of his career-best performances with an astounding 53 points. The Canadian guard was virtually unstoppable, hitting shots from all over the court, including an impressive 9 three-pointers out of 14 attempts.
However, what truly made this game historic was Nikola Jokic's incredible all-around effort. The Serbian center once again demonstrated why he's a leading MVP candidate, finishing the game with extraordinary numbers: 23 points, 21 rebounds, and an astonishing 19 assists.
Nikola, it's clear this was a pretty special game for both you and Jamal. When you two get into that kind of rhythm, what does that do for you? Obviously, you're just trying to win, but how much does it simplify the game when you know how much you can rely on each other in those moments?
I mean, especially for me, when Jamal plays a game like that, I just try to create space for him to get open... I know he's going to take shots and make them. And then, when they start double-teaming him, it's my turn to get everyone else involved or score myself.
There's always a big emphasis on statistics, which are incredible. How important is it for you to play "beautiful" basketball?
Well, I don't know, is it beautiful? I think it's beautiful when we pass the ball, when we get open shots, but I don't know how important that really is. I'd rather just win than play beautifully.
Nikola, after tonight's game, a statistic emerged that you and Jamal have won 400 games together. Over the last 10 years, that's the most for any two teammates in the NBA. What do you enjoy most about it? Playing with him, watching him play? Is it the wins? What is it that you've achieved?
I think it's the progress – the way we both started and the journey we've taken, practically from "nobody" to somebody, to a championship title, and we're still improving and playing at a high level. That shared growth is something truly unique. I hope we can continue to play like this.
A few times last year, you mentioned feeling like you were playing the best basketball of your life. This year, especially at the start of the season, it seemed to continue. Then you got injured. Your efficiency dropped, and your turnover rate increased slightly when you returned. It seems like you're back in your familiar rhythm now. How do you assess this season compared to previous ones?
I think I was a bit inconsistent, precisely because of that injury, as it was my first time returning after one. Turnovers and good games will happen, as will bad games and misses. But that was something new for me, and I'd say I'm usually consistent.
Do you feel that when you were at your peak this season, you were still at the level you were last season?
I think before the injury, I was playing basketball at a very high level, and since the injury, it's been a bit inconsistent.
Dallas has given you some trouble throughout the season. What do they do well, and is it a style of play you feel you need to specifically prepare for in the playoffs?
Yes, they're always in transition. They constantly push forward, playing at that fast pace. They have Marshall, they have Cooper, they practically start with four bigger guys. I think we controlled their offensive rebounding. They attacked the paint, drove to the basket. We lost to them two months ago. I think we did a slightly better job this time, but giving up 135 points isn't a good job. Still, we did a bit better... just because we won, of course.
What has been the key difference in winning close games recently, something you struggled with earlier this year?
Well, there were games where we had open shots, or at least decent ones, and we missed them. We got opportunities and missed. There were also games where we didn't have open shots, and we still missed. So, it helps when one of the players has a really good night, when they get into a rhythm and feel the ball. Of course, it also depends on the matchup, who's guarding whom. I can't give you one specific answer; it's a bit of everything. It depends on who we're playing against, who they have on the court, who's playing well. A little bit of everything.
I'm just curious, what do you think is the most important thing Payton brings to your offense?
Attacking the rim. He's so big and tall that even when he attacks, he sees everything and can pass the ball. That pressure on the rim helps us a lot.
Nikola, considering another close win today and the fact that you're healthy again, you've strung together four victories. How confident are you in this final stretch of the season heading into the playoffs?
I think we're just thinking about the next game and trying to get better. When you think about the future, you're not focused on the moment. That's what we need to do – try to improve in these last... how many, eight games? And prepare for the playoffs from the best possible position.
I'm not sure if you knew, but today marks the five-year anniversary of the Aaron Gordon trade. I know you were on the bus in Tampa, waiting for it to happen. What do you remember from that moment?
I remember saying goodbye to Gary Harris, and I was crying because I was really sad. We had a good connection, and we played really well together. It was a sad moment for me. Actually, I think it was a plane; we landed, and that's when it happened.
Once you got over that sadness, could you have imagined that you would develop into such a pairing?
No, because I didn't know, but I'm happy we have AG, of course. He's a unique player, a special player for us.
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