MVP or not, Nikola Jokic continues to produce his magical display. He had 42 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 assists in the 1st game against the Thunder. Even though it was Aaron Gordon who sealed the night with his clutch shot, the Joker still delivered. But it was not just his on-court plays that caught the eyes of many. Ever since Mike Malone was relieved of his duties, Jokic has taken a more vocal role on the sidelines. Which Charles Barkley did not miss.
The 3x MVP, who usually has his reaction in check, was frustrated during the second quarter. The cameras caught Nikola Jokic barking orders, gesturing wildly, and rallying his teammates like a man possessed. Whatever it was, it was enough to inspire Nuggets, who outscored OKC 71-59 in the 2nd half. That’s why Chuck credits the 30-year-old more than Coach Adelman. “As long as they got the damn Joker. As long as they got that dude, they going to believe.”
Charles Barkley continued and spoke about the second-quarter huddle moment. “You said something earlier, Joker is coaching right now. He is taking control of that team. You said you’ve seen him be more animated and emotional, it’s all happened in the last month.” The Serbian was always referred to as be calm and collected force, but there is certainly a switch that is visible since Mike Malone was fired with three games left in the regular season.
Back in April, during the Nuggets’ 124-116 road win over the Sacramento Kings. In the third quarter of that game, Jokic took over the whiteboard from interim coach David Adelman during a timeout. That’s what Charles Barkley is signifying with the Nuggets Center taking that role. “But in the last month he has been doing that. So it goes back obviously coach is important but the Joker’s like ‘No, no, no, this is my team, we gonna keep winning’ because he’s the one constant, and it’s great to watch, man.”
So, when Jokic speaks, his team listens. The heated moment on TNT cameras was a visual confirmation of his influence in the locker room. Whether it’s enough to change another head coach, only time will tell.
Nikola Jokic denies the media narrative of his current behavioral change
It’s not that Adelman is new to the Nuggets locker room. The 43-year-old was the assistant coach since 2017, and was also part of the team’s title celebration in 2023. So, he, too, knows the players well, especially the Joker. After the blowout win in game 7 against the Clippers, Nikola Jokic put any narrative of him controlling the team to rest.
Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“I think they’re just showing more, to be honest,” Jokic said firmly. “I think I was vocal, I was talking to the guys, and I always say if I see something and I think it can help the group, I’m going to always say it. So I think the media is just kind of pumping up the story a little bit.” So, as per the 3x MVP, his vocal leadership is not related to any behavior change.
Change or not, Jokic is making sure to deliver for his team without fail. If the players listen to his voice or to Adelman’s, the result should be a Nuggets victory. After a game that they hadn’t led since the first quarter 24-22, the Joker’s pep talk in the second quarter seemed to have worked in the team’s favor. He would hope for the same as the series continues.
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