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.”
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.”