DENVER — It was a brushstroke of brilliance on a painting crafted hundreds of times before. Nikola Jokic pump-faked from the top of the key, coaxing Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s right foot a step too high. Two dribbles came to get past Kuzma, and a left-to-right spin to shed him, setting up the threat of a hook.
Only the Joker had concealed his cards perfectly, spotting Aaron Gordon creeping behind a snoozing Bucks backline. As he spun, Jokic tap-shoveled a pass to Gordon for a wide-open slam. The play baffled Milwaukee center Brook Lopez, turning in the opposite direction of the ball.