Jokić fueled a second-half comeback against the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals with 42 points and 22 rebounds before Gordon hit a game-winning three in the final seconds to give Denver a 121-119 win.

It goes without saying that Nikola Jokic is asked to do a lot. Arguably more than any other player in the NBA. On any given night he’s required to be Denver’s top scorer, rebounder, even facilitator with his passing game — but asking him to coach might be beyond the pale.

No one expected the Denver Nuggets to come away with a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Yet, somehow, the N