Nikola Jokic checked into the fourth quarter Sunday night earlier than he almost ever does. The Nuggets needed every second of their MVP savior.
Jokic hoisted his team on his broad shoulders and survived with a gripping 103-100 road win against the Clippers. The Nuggets snapped their two-game losing streak and improved to 16-16 on the season with a two-game set against the Warriors beginning on Tuesday.
Jokic was sublime. He played the entire 10:34 of the fourth quarter, finishing with 26 points, 22 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals. It was his second consecutive 20-20 game.