The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics faced off in Abu Dhabi to open the 2024-25 NBA preseason in a matchup the Celtics won 107-103. The Nuggets were outmatched by the Celtics' second unit, particularly in the second half. Stars like Nikola Jokic had a strong showing in the first half, with Jokic speaking to Fadeaway World after the game and discussing whether an active summer with Serbia helped him get off to a hot start.
"Last time I played for the national team, we won a Championship. Maybe that says something, maybe it doesn't, who knows. Most players say that a summer tournament helps you stay in shape and get better. I don't know if that's the case or not but I had a really good time. I think I improved playing for the national team. I don't know if it affected my current basketball thing."
Jokic put up 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals, ending the game as a +4. His impact was easy to see, as Jokic punished the lack of interior play on the Celtics with both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford not playing during the contest.
Over the summer, Jokic won his second Olympic medal with Serbia, winning the Bronze at the Paris Olympics . Serbia could have achieved even more but a matchup against the stacked Team USA in the semi-finals led to their elimination behind a Stephen Curry masterclass .
Playing basketball over the summer is a divisive topic, as some believe it fatigues the players heading into the NBA season while others, including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, believe that it better prepares players for the rigors of the NBA season and can reduce risk of injury due to the players remaining active.
Michael Malone Was Impressed With Nikola Jokic's Preseason Debut
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone praised Jokic for his impact in the team's preseason debut despite the loss.
"He's a great player. You marvel at his greatness. He can beat you with his scoring, he can beat you with his playmaking, he can beat you with his rebounding, and I also think he had some really good defensive possessions tonight. I think both he and Jamal had busy offseasons playing in the Olympics, so we want to be smart with his minutes. Overall, I think Nikola did some really good things out there."
Even though Jokic is clearly undecided on whether playing over the summer helped him or not, he does look to be in great shape while being just as impactful as always.
The reigning NBA MVP averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists last season, hoping to lead the Nuggets to another championship run this season.
Read more from my coverage for Fadeaway World at the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi Games - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets.
Adam Silver And Mark Tatum On The Growth Of Basketball Internationally And More NBA Global Games
EXCLUSIVE: Lonnie Walker Opens Up On Celtics' Expectation And Potential G League Minutes
Michael Malone Gets Real On Nuggets Starting Lineup, KAT Trade, And Training Camp
Russell Westbrook And Al Horford Give Derrick Rose His Flowers After Retirement Announcement
Jamal Murray And Russell Westbrook Break Down How Their Relationship Has Evolved
Joe Mazzulla Dismisses Fatigue Concerns Around The Celtics Ahead Of 24-25 NBA Season
Jayson Tatum Excited To Face The Challenge Of Knicks And 76ers After Major Summer Moves
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