Nikola Jokic: Jusuf Nurkic is 'Monster' Matchup

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had some great words of praise for Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic.

PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic has settled into his role quite well in his first year in the Valley. 

Nurkic isn't a flashy center. He doesn't have a monster offensive ceiling nor is he a master of protecting the rim on the inside - and he's certainly not in any conversations for All-Star, All-NBA, etc. as the 2023-24 season winds down.

Yet the Suns knew they were getting a selfless big man who could facilitate and anchor himself on both sides of the ball. Rather than demanding 15-20 shots per night, Nurkic has molded into his role quite well alongside stars such as Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant. 

Coming off a 31-rebound performance over the weekend, Nurkic was questionable heading into last night's contest against the Denver Nuggets. Typical to Nurkic fashion, he played - and played well.

Nurkic fouled out late in the fourth quarter of Phoenix's overtime win over Denver, a much-needed win after dropping two consecutive games. He tallied seven points on 3-4 shooting with 12 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals. 

You can color Nuggets center (and former teammate) Nikola Jokic impressed:

“He was young here - I think he was still trying to figure [things] out and find himself. I think he had great, great 5-6, how many ever years in Portland. And now he is a great fit for them [Suns]," Jokic said after last night. 

"He can defend really well. He is a big guy who can, probably in some situations, switch one through five. Monster in the glass. I think he's a great fit for them and he's embracing his role."

When asked if Nurkic was up there for some of the toughest matchups he's had:

"Definitely up there. I think him, probably, Joel [Embiid], Steven Adams, I don't want to miss somebody - but those three are kind of the top, off the top of my head."

Nikola Jokic on Jusuf Nurkic: "He can defend really well. He's a big guy who can in some situations switch 1-5. Monster on the glass. He's a great fit for them and he's embracing his role." pic.twitter.com/t2IMReAbdN

— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) March 6, 2024

Suns coach Frank Vogel also offered praise for Nurkic:

"Did everything right tonight. Nurk is the star of the game. He was spectacular on both sides of the ball. Took four shots and was our best offensive player. That's just a testament to how you can impact the game without scoring. He really dominated the boards, battled as best he could against the Jokic matchup and really facilitated for us offensively." 

The Suns will be back at home for Thursday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors.