In a rare podcast appearance made public this week, Nikola Jokic was encouraged by the astute interviewer known as “Curious Mike” to respond directly to hot take television’s favorite topic.

Nikola Jokic says he wants ‘nobody to know me’ and promises not to have a phone when he retires, as the reigning NBA champion admits his stardom makes him ‘feel sad’

However, as Jokic examined his current top-five NBA players (excluding himself, of course), the names that came to mind were a telling reminder of the basketball generation that he regards as a forerunner to the rest. He floated Kevin Durant and LeBron James as two of the first four players he floated to teammate Michael Porter Jr. in his non-answer. For those who appreciate over-reading, it was a complex and interesting look inside Jokic’s mind.

But what the Nuggets witnessed on Friday night was a lesson in the benefits of not over-reading.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Thunder against the Nuggets 119-93. He hit a cold-blooded game-winning shot two weeks ago in the same stadium, sparking Oklahoma City’s fourth-quarter comeback. In the stupid exercise with Porter, he was not one of the names mentioned by Jokic. Do you believe Jokic regards Gilgeous-Alexander as one of the finest in the game?

“He’s a problem in this league,” Jokic said on Friday.

Maybe it takes one to know one.

Since the start of last season (including playoffs), the Nuggets have gone 51-6 at home when Jokic has played. That was prior to the Thunder’s visit on December 16. Denver has now lost two straight games at home against the same opponent. And, despite the fact that the defending champs are playing some of their best basketball of the 2023-24 season. Regardless of how lopsided the rematch was, Oklahoma City is unlikely to get either result without SGA’s help.

“He’s a unique player.” “Not just this year,” Jokic clarified before identifying Gilgeous-Alexander as a potential issue. “The good thing about him is that he wants to win.” He is unconcerned about figures. He is adamant on winning. And I feel that is his strongest suit.”

In the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in Denver, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, drives past Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left. David Zalubowski/AP Photo