“Couldn't be more proud”: Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone praises ‘incredible’ Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has heaped praise on Nikola Jokic for his heroics despite having a hard time off the field.

The 28-year-old spent a few days mourning the death of the death of Golden State Warriors assistant Dejan Milojevic. Despite that, Jokic went on to produce a remarkable performance against the Boston Celtics and ended up registering 34 points including 12 rebounds and nine assists.

Malone was recently quoted in a report where he heaped praise on Jokic who performed despite losing someone so recently.

"As I mentioned to our team after the game, I couldn't be more proud of Nikola for playing the way he played with the tragic passing of Deki," said Malone. "That's what you do, though. That's why I'm proud of Nikola. You just lost somebody that you love and you care about that meant a lot to you, that was a mentor and a coach to you.

"So go honor him. You know what I mean? And Nikola went out there, he honored Deki's memory and his legacy by playing at the level played at. Not easy to do with a heavy heart, but Nikola is a special person.

“Obviously, and it was incredible to watch him play with that heavy heart and the level he played at when you consider who we were playing and you add everything else to the mix. And that's why Nikola is the best player in the world."