"Jokic was privy to the decision [firing Malone] before it was announced, and there was not an objection, people familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the team’s internal operations."

People say that we are vulnerable, but the beast is always the strongest or the most dangerous when they’re vulnerable,” Jokic said. “Maybe he woke up the beast.”

Ultimately, all Jokic and the Nuggets can really do is soldier on. And Denver, powered by yet another Jokic triple-double, did just that with Wednesday's 124-116 win over the Sacr