On Wednesday night, April 9, the Denver Nuggets finally snapped their four-game losing streak with a crucial 124–116 victory over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. But the win wasn’t the only headline.
It was also the first game since the shocking firing of long-time head coach Michael Malone, and for the first time, Nikola Jokic opened up publicly about what really happened behind closed doors.
Nikola Jokic Knew About the Firing of Head Coach Before the World
Speaking in the post-game press conference, Jokic didn’t dodge the tough questions — and his answers revealed just how personal this situation was. When asked about Malone’s dismissal, Jokic admitted he had known about it before everyone else.
“I knew a little bit before everybody. He told me we made a decision. It was not a discussion, it was a decision. He told me why and I listened and I accepted. I’m not gonna tell what he told me, I’m going to keep that private,” said Jokic during the interview.
His voice carried more weight than usual and also informed the reporters that he had texted Malone after the decision was revealed.
“I texted him, it was a ten-year relationship. It was a heavy day for everybody, probably especially for him and his family. It’s part of the business, you know,” added Jokic.
“In my country, if someone gets fired, probably you’re next. I think it definitely changed something.”
Full Nikola Jokic press conference ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lSNE930LRn
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) April 10, 2025
The gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone. Malone wasn’t fired due to lack of success. In fact, his résumé with the Nuggets is historic. For a decade, he had a record of 471–327 and led the franchise to its first-ever NBA championship in 2023. His legacy as the coach with the most wins in Nuggets history is cemented. That’s why the question from reporters wasn’t just fair — it was necessary.
On Wednesday’s game against the Kings, Jokic played for 38 minutes and in those minutes he managed to score 20 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. With just two games left in the regular season Denver currently holds a 48–32 record. The win in Sacramento may have offered some stability, but the road ahead is tough.
SEE MORE: Michael Malone’s Firing Serves Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla With a Brutal Reality Check
Can Nikola Jokic Become the Player-Coach for the Nuggets?
Throughout NBA history, player-coaches have been rare but legendary. Bill Russell famously led the Celtics as both player and coach. Lenny Wilkens and Dave Cowens also took on the challenge, balancing strategy with on-court execution. In today’s era, that concept feels nearly extinct but Jokic might be reviving it in spirit.
On Wednesday night against the Kings, in the third quarter, he was seen actively explaining plays and breaking down Xs and Os to teammates, almost assuming the role of a sideline general. While David Adelman is currently filling in as the Nuggets’ interim head coach, Jokic’s leadership and basketball IQ were on full display, highlighting how seamlessly he blends roles on the floor.
Coach Jokic drew up a play for the Nuggets 😅 pic.twitter.com/YgXfYDnbCk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2025
This season, “The Joker” is averaging 29.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. While the notion of him officially becoming a player-coach may remain hypothetical for now, his real test is ahead that is the playoffs.