When Nikola Jokic headed to the bench late in the third quarter of Saturday’s statement win over the Bucks, there was no telling what type of game he’d return to early in the fourth quarter.
Denver was up 90-83 with 2:07 left, which meant for a significant stretch, against the NBA’s best team, the Nuggets would have to hold their breath. Making the task even more precarious, the Bucks ran Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday against Jamal Murray and Denver’s bench.
It could’ve been a recipe for disaster. It could’ve further raised alarms as the playoffs approach, suggesting Nuggets coach Michael Malone needed to shorten his already-thin bench.