For most of the Nikola Jokić era, the Nuggets' path to success hinged on the three-time MVP putting up near-historic numbers on a nightly basis. He averages near a triple-double most seasons, not only because he's absurdly talented,

For so many years, the brilliance of Jokić has masked some roster flaws. On Friday night, Jokić was truly picked up by his teammates.

The Nuggets got 20-plus points from four starters, led by Jamal Murray's 27, plus 22 from Aaron Gordon and 21 from Michael Porter Jr. Big man Nikola Jokic had 20, but it was far from a sterling night for him--Jokic was 8-for-25 from the field and 0-for-10 from the 3-point line,