Why did Nikola Jokic miss time citing personal reasons? NBA insider reports the latest on Nuggets star's absence
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic is back in action after missing three games. The three-time NBA MVP was out, citing personal reasons. According to The Denver Post, Jokic was private about his absence, leaving fans wondering about the Serbian's sudden appearance on the injury report.
Jokic was questionable to play the last two games, too. However, insider Shams Charania provided the latest update on why Jokic was out. Charania reported that Jokic and his wide Natalia Natalija Macesic welcomed a newborn son on Thursday.
Here's what Charania tweeted:
"Sources: Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic – out since Nov. 10 due to personal reasons – will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Dallas Mavericks (10 pm ET, ESPN). Jokic and his partner welcomed a newborn son Thursday night."
Jokic didn't show up for practice that day. However, he made it back in time to play the team's NBA Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks at home on Friday.
Jokic and his wife now have two kids together. They had a baby girl named Ognjena in September 2021.
Nikola Jokic drops another triple-double despite 2-week hiatus
Nikola Jokic's MVP and the world's best player stock continue to go through the roof after the Denver Nuggets superstar recorded another triple-double. The only difference, and a major one this time, was that he returned from a two-week hiatus.
Without any reps or practice, Jokic still bossed the court with 33 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists, shooting 59.1%, including 2-of-2 on 3-pointers in Friday's 123-120 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He guided the Nuggets to an emphatic comeback in the fourth quarter as they erased a 24-point lead and took a five-point advantage with three minutes left in the fourth quarter.
However, Jokic and the Nuggets ran out of steam in the final stages of the contest. The execution wasn't there, especially on defense, as the Mavericks scored on almost every possession in the clutch.
Nevertheless, the Nuggets would be glad to see Jokic back and firing on all cylinders. They have three losses in their past four games, two of which he didn't play. However, with Jokic in the lineup, Denver's chances of a turnaround seemingly remain intact and it won't be surprising to see that happen.