So-called ethical hoopers are on Nikola Jokic’s tail after he tallied 104 points in his back-to-back games for the Denver Nuggets over the weekend, accusing him of stat-padding.
The case, they say, appears stronger in the win against the Atlanta Hawks where the three-time scored 48 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.
Their “smoking gun”? The quote from head coach Mike Malone post-game.
“Joker I tried to get you 50 but it didn’t happen tonight,” Malone said in the locker room.
Some also accuse Malone of fattening Jokic’s MVP chances by keeping him in the line-up while also making sure that he plays more minutes with starters than bench players.
The strategy they said is to keep his efficiency at a higher rate.
For context, the Nuggets were up by 19 points with four minutes left. Is 19 points a safe lead? this is what “ethical hoopers” should answer first.
Nikola Jokic statpadding accusations
Here are some immediate reactions during Nuggets’ latest victory.
“Up by 23 points in garbage time still on the floor chasing 50… Jokic stans will swear he doesn’t chase stats. Stats is all he plays for. He wants cheap MVPs every year. This guy is so greedy it’s unbelievable. It’s a shame that voters fall for it every single year,” said one X user with a screenshot of his stats.
Up by 23 points in garbage time still on the floor chasing 50…
Jokic stans will swear he doesn’t chase stats. Stats is all he plays for. He wants cheap MVPs every year. This guy is so greedy it’s unbelievable. It’s a shame that voters fall for it every single year. pic.twitter.com/MwvstegGuq
— 𝙁𝘽 🀄️ (@FrankBurner222) December 9, 2024
Jokic constantly statpadding while his team is up 30 doesn’t get talked about enough… pic.twitter.com/8Tk5gUC7jy
— Marjon Solos 🦌🇱🇧🇦🇺 (@Marjon_Solos) December 9, 2024
Even the coach admitting to stat padding. If you don’t believe the Nuggets system is designed for Jokic to get triple doubles and scam MVP’s then idk what to tell you.
There’s some sinister things currently going on in Denver. https://t.co/vphxCOmZYp
— Son. D (@Wonder_of_Luka) December 9, 2024
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