One Push Was All It Took

The ball flew across the Nuggets' backcourt and reached the top of the key in the frontcourt, where Jokic had it in his hands.

Jokic immediately put the ball on the floor and drove, taking advantage of Davis and Little Jordan not yet being fully set. He accelerated into the paint, leaned into Davis, and attempted a layup on the move.

The ball struck the back rim and bounced out, but Jokic quickly tipped it back to himself for the offensive rebound.

With his long arm pressing against Davis, Jokic reached up at the edge of the rim and gently tapped the ball with his palm.

The ball changed direction and obediently dropped through the net.

Nikola Jokic grabbed his own miss and scored on the second chance!

Teacher Jokic padded his stats with two points and a rebound, giving the Nuggets the first point of the game.

At the other end, the Thunder pushed the ball forward again.

The players quickly crossed half court and took their positions.

Westbrook dribbled to the top of the key, signaled the play, and launched another attack.

Batum, on the wing, stepped up immediately and set a solid screen for Westbrook, then swiftly turned and moved toward the sideline on the opposite side.

At the same time, Westbrook accelerated into the three-point line, while Chen Xi on the other side began moving as well, crossing paths with Batum.

But the two of them crossing paths was simply meant to draw the defense's attention, keeping the Nuggets from collapsing toward the paint.

That left Westbrook, who had driven into the lane, free to make a comfortable pass inside to a teammate.

Davis caught the ball nearby and immediately lofted a short shot. With Jokic's rim protection offering little resistance, he calmly put in the