Christian Braun says vocal version of Nikola Jokic is who he’s always been

It has been almost a month since the Denver Nuggets fired Michael Malone, their championship-winning head coach and vocal leader. The change was made to spark some change for a wavering Nuggets team that still had aspirations to win another title, but the team needed someone to step up even more.

Nikola Jokic has been the guy who has upped his leadership for Denver in the last month, and Monday’s improbable victory over Oklahoma City in Game 1 was further proof.

You’ll never see a group of NBA players hang on every word from another player like you’ll see here. Jokic has taken total control. Maybe indirectly through a late season firing but we’ve asked to see this level of ownership for years & we’re seeing it. pic.twitter.com/Eyf11KupmJ

— Zach Bye (@byesline) May 6, 2025

Monday was not the first time that Jokic has been seen on the Nuggets bench being loud and emphatic towards his teammates. It has happened time and time again over the past month, and even prompted ESPN’s Shams Charania to say that Jokic was “comfortable” and the most vocal he’s been in years.

After Denver’s win on Monday, Christian Braun said that this is who Jokic has always been and not something that was sparked by the spring cleaning moves back in April.

“I think that’s him. I think that’s who he’s always been, that’s who he wants to be,” Braun said after the win. “Most importantly, he wants to be vocal, obviously he has the best mind in basketball — maybe ever — but definitely has the best mind on our bench so when he talks, people listen. That’s who he is, he wants to win. So, when he’s yelling and telling you things, a lot of times it’s hard to understand but he means it, he’s passionate about it.”

Jokic, with his savvy knowledge of the court and ability to create opportunities for his teammates, has arguably the best offensive mind in the world, which was highlighted by his 42/22/6 performance on Monday. However, Braun says that when Jokic is being vocal for everyone to see on the sideline, the man who’s leading the playoffs in steals is  actually giving out more pointers for the defensive end of the floor.

“A lot of it is defensive stuff too, most of it is defensive not offensive. People don’t realize that too, his mind is great and he wants to win and that’s the guy he wants to be. I think he wants to be vocal. I don’t know that he wants to have to yell at every timeout, but when he talks, people listen,” Braun said.

Jokic became the fourth player in playoff history to record 40 points, 20 rebounds and five assists in a game, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With his physical performance on the court and his mental performance on the sidelines, he was able to help his Nuggets claw their way back to victory.

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