Steve Kerr's favorite player is on Nuggets

Steve Kerr is just like you or me. On his off nights, the Golden State Warriors’ coach likes to sit back and scroll through NBA League Pass, catching a few minutes of an upcoming opponent or maybe a glimpse of one of his favorite players.

One of those guys is Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic.

“One of my favorite players to watch on off nights,” Kerr said of the 21-year-old Serbian who registered his second-career triple-double last season when Denver romped Golden State 132-110 at Pepsi Center. “When I’ve got League Pass going I always make sure to turn to Denver for a little bit and watch Jokic and his passing and his brilliance and he just sees the game so well.”

“I always love watching players that just seem to be a move ahead on the chess board and he’s one of those guys,” Kerr continued. “Great young player. They run everything through and around him. He’s like the pinwheel. He’s like the middle of the pinwheel, got all these cutters and shooters around him. That’s why they’re so dynamic.”

After a rocky start to his third season, Jokic is up to his old tricks again. He’s scored at least 18 points in six of his last seven outings and in Denver’s loss to the Wizards, Jokic only tallied eight points but still dominated the pace and flow of the game with double-digit assists.

Jokic and free-agent signing Paul Millsap continue to be a work in progress when it comes to meshing their games together in the Nuggets’ frontcourt but combined for the best game in Denver’s 95-94 win over the Miami Heat Friday night. Jokic and Millsap combined for 46 points and 23 rebounds in the win.

The biggest difference that Kerr sees in Denver from last year to this year involves Millsap. Kerr thinks the 32-year-old gives the Nuggets “a different vibe.” and “a little edge.” Denver’s young backcourt of Jamal Murray and Gary Harris, along with Jokic are all a year older as well. With another season in the league comes more valuable game experience.

Malone clarifies Nuggets closing lineup

With starter Jamal Murray struggling to a 1-6 shooting night against Miami, Nuggets’ coach Michael Malone went with Will Barton at point guard late in the fourth quarter.

Barton, Denver’s do-it-all combo guard, closed the game alongside Harris, Wilson Chandler, Millsap, and Jokic. While Malone hopes that guy is Murray, he says he’ll go with whoever gives his team the best chance to win.

“I’m hoping that Jamal can be the guy but I thought last night was a tough night for him on both ends of the floor,” Malone said during his pregame media availability. “But that’s the luxury of having the roster we have. I thought (Mudiay) for a while did a really good job in that second half and then the decision to go with Will Barton down the stretch who’s a capable playmaker in his own right and gives you length. I thought he played pretty good defense on Dion on that last shot.”

“It’s going to come down to game-by-game, who is going to give us the best chance to win. And that’s going to be the guy who closes games.”