Jokic’s pep talk instrumental in Game 3 win

Nikola Jokic had one of his rare moments, when he gathered his teammates for an inspirational speech after their Game 2 loss.

The Heat registered a 111-108 win over Denver, handing them a first home loss in the playoffs. But the surprise came afterwords in the dressing room, when Jokic joined team leaders Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, DeAndre Jordan and Jeff Green in bolstering the team’s spirit.

“When you hear him talking after a game, you make sure you listen,” Caldwell-Pope said. “He’s not a real big vocal guy. He shows it more on the court. He leads that way. But he definitely had everyone’s attention, and it worked out for us tonight.”

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Jokic went on to finish Game 3 with 32 points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists, which were vital for Denver’s success.

As for his speech the 28-year-old can’t quite recall what he actually said.

“Honestly, I don’t remember that I was talking. So if I was saying something, I don’t remember what I was saying,” Jokić said. “Maybe it was just my emotions at the time. I don’t remember, to be honest. Maybe they’re just all crazy. But I think I’m normal. When I say something, it’s not that I’m trying to be vocal. There’s a purpose. When I see something, I’m going to say it. I’m never going to talk just to talk.”