After losing to Chicago on Friday night, it was Nikola Jokic's right wrist that was important, not the pro-Bulls crowd or the Nuggets' three-game losing streak.

After spraining his wrist in a loss to Philadelphia on Thursday, Jokic was relegated to a cheerleader in a tan suit with a black brace on his right wrist. After players and coaches dismissed the issue on Thursday night, Nuggets coach Michael Malone ruled out his possibility before the game began.

"His wrist is sore," Malone said after the Nuggets lost 114-108 to Chicago. "He went out tonight. He underwent an X-ray, an MRI, and talked to the doctor. I don’t think it will be a long-term thing at all, but at the same time, if he can only play with one hand , I don’t want to put him there. It’s unfair to ask him to do this. When he’s ready to play, he will play. It may be against Phoenix, it may be a week later. There is no timetable at this time."

Without Jokic, the Bulls punished the Nuggets on rebounds. They had 17 offensive rebounds directly leading to 18 points. Rebounding battles—usually hard work and closely related to results—are very good for Chicago, 50-38.

Jokic's appearance can at least support some of the frustrating assets that led to Chicago's victory.

Without Jokic as the main defensive force, Malone said the Nuggets played more than the entire season. He was satisfied with the results, even though they made the Nuggets vulnerable on the rebounds.

"That was our offense," said PJ Dozier, who had a team-high 10 rebounds. "We play through him. He is the head of the snake. We let him go. Of course, letting our MVP not be on the court will be an adjustment on the offensive end, but also on the defensive end. He is communicating with our guards. , Call for coverage. This is definitely an adjustment."

On the contrary, Malone ended the game with Gordon as the center. He said he played very comfortable in this position.

"I'm not sure how long Nikola will be out, but you have a choice," Malone said.

Although Jokic and Jamal Murray were trapped on the sidelines, both players were involved, almost like assistant coaches.

Gordon said: "This is just to show how much these people love the game, what a great teammate they are, what a great person they are." "...no one can replace the MVP, really no one can replace Jamal. Those. Any one of the guys. Let them still participate throughout the game, you know, if they can do it, everyone can do it."

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