While no one will forget Payton going for it on fourth down, no one will remember Jokic’s fourth MVP award if his health undermines a championship season.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets sports a bold suit and t-shirt combination while teammates take a timeout against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, Jan.
20, 2026. That is where the Broncos sit today, uncomfortably digesting how Sean Payton’s decision to go for it in the second quarter cost DenverEveryone loves aggression until it punches them in the face. Or in the knee. As the focus now shifts to the other sports, the Nuggets face an interesting question that could determine if they advance beyond where the Broncos finished their season.Instead of three letters , let’s think about four: WWDD? As in, What Would Duncan Do? The Joker has modeled his approach to the game, and wisely, after Tim Duncan, the Spurs’ quiet superstar in a loud league. Duncan would do whatever was best for the franchise’s end game — which was winning a title. Tim played hurt. Tim played through pain. But Tim was about the big picture. The only trophy case he cared about was the one where San Antonio kept its Larry O’Briens. I think Duncan, who had his own history with knee problems, would tell him to think about the long term. Don’t rush it.Covering pro sports for three decades, one clear truth has emerged. Teams benefit most from treating an athlete’s symptoms, not tying recovery to external factors. How often have we seen someone rushed back because a teammate gets hurt? With Jokic, the advantage of him returning this week ties into things he does not care about. He would be eligible for the MVP award and All-NBA if he plays by Feb. 1, given the league’s 65-game requirement for postseason awards. When Jokic hurt his knee against the Heat on Dec. 29, he was again the league’s top player, averaging 29.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 11 assists. His injury was considered a four-to-six week recovery. If Jokic is ready, bring him back. But only if he has passed every test, cleared every hurdle. No exceptions.And isn’t this why you signed Jonas Valanciunas in the first place? Love DeAndre Jordan. But with Big Jonas, the Nuggets have their best No. 2 center on hand since, what, DeMarcus Cousins? In Valanciunas’ last two appearances as a starter, he’s averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds, three assists and 1.5 blocks. Nobody on the planet gives you Joker numbers, but you can hold serve as a top-4 seed in the West with that kind of production from the 5. JV isn’t exactly the JV, here.Gordon, 30, is aging rapidly, the byproduct of a bouncy player whose legs are starting to betray him. He missed 19 games with a hamstring injury. Returned for a week, and suffered a setback. This is why the Nuggets must be intentional with Jokic. Of course, they need him. He is the best player in the world. But Denver has posted a 9-5 record in his absence, an improbable run tied to David Adelman’s empowerment of young players, Jamal Murray’s best season and the stunning offensive development ofWhile no one will forget Payton going for it on fourth down, no one will remember Jokic’s fourth MVP award if his health undermines a championship season.There are four or five good reasons to take the slow road, Gordon chief among them. And only one reason you hurry back, really: Award season. Joker was robbed of the MVP last year, no doubt. But you know what? He’s going to get robbed again. Jokic turns 31 next month. If those knees hold up, he’s going to be a season-long triple-double threat until he’s at least 34 or 35. Or longer. I trust Wallace/Tenzer. I trust Adelman. I trust the Nuggets to lean with heads over hearts. The Big Honey is going down in basketball history as one of the best centers ever, even if he never wins another MVP. But the last word in GOAT debates isn’t individual honors. It’s winning multiple titles.Broncos four downs: Sean Payton's costly fourth-down call probably cost Denver Super Bowl tripICE investigates after Colorado group says agents left 'death cards' in arrested immigrants' abandoned carsColorado Democrats float big changes aimed at reforming income taxes and unleashing state spendingColorado snow totals for Jan. 25, 2026
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