In the weeks following Michael Malone's late-season firing from the Denver Nuggets, we've seen glimpses of Nikola Jokić clearly taking on a more vocal player-coaching role with his teammates. Interim head coach David Adelman's steady approach to asking Nuggets players to take more of a personal responsibility for their play has likely resonated with the three-time MVP the most of all.

ESPN's Shams Charania believes Nikola Jokić has become more "comfortable" with his leadership role on the Denver Nuggets since the front office turnover at the end of the 2024-25 regular season.

The Nuggets went into Los Angeles needing a win to take back home-court advantage, and the Clippers dismantled them in every way possible.