- NBA. Nikola Jokic's 56-point explosion ends in an unforgettable way but for the wrong reason
- NBA. Steph Curry gets a taste of his own medicine from Nikola Jokic with a bully move leaving the Warriors' bench embarrassed
Kevin Durant is one of the biggest names in recent NBA history but it is clear that he has a huge amount of respect for current star Nikola Jokic.
Durant is currently playing for the Phoenix Suns and whilst he is plugging away at the back end of his own career, the Christmas fixtures put him up against the Denver Nuggets who are led by Jokic, widely regarded as one of the best current basketball players in the world.
It was actually the Suns who came out on top, winning 110-100 against the Nuggets in a result that will have made the Suns fans very happy this Christmas.
Despite the fact that his team came out on top, Durant was very quick to talk about the quality that Jokic offers to his team and where his standing currently is within the NBA hierarchy.
Durant on Jokic
Perhaps in a way in which was purposely praising how own team and how they played, Durant said: "They got arguably the best player in the world, a top 10 player of all time in Jokic."
It is fair to point out the quality of Jokic when you consider what he has been cooking up this season for the Nuggets. He has been averaging 30.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. Even though Jokic put up 25 points and 15 rebounds in the match against the Suns, they could not come out on top.
"There's so many great talents in this league. It's not just us three, you see Jokic tonight. You see a [future] Hall of Famer, an icon in Russ [Russell Westbrook], out here tonight. You see so many young players around the league today. It was an amazing day for basketball. I'm grateful I was able to play today on this great day, entertain the fans, and get a win at home. I'm grateful," Durant said.