Mike Malone compares LeBron and 'computer' Jokic: 'They play chess, not checkers' / News - Basketnews.com

Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone called Nikola Jokic a computer and compared him with LeBron James.

Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski Credit AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Nikola Jokic registered 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 10th triple-double of the season, as the host Denver Nuggets overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 on Friday night.

LeBron James

MIN:35.89PTS:28.87 (56.06%)REB:8.17As:6.73ST:1BL:0.6TO:3.27GM:30ProfileNBA2022/2023

Jokic's 10th triple-double of the season against Jarrett Allen makes him the fourth player ever with 10-plus triple-doubles in 6 different seasons, joining Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson, and Magic Johnson, viaESPN Stats & Info.

"I have been around some really good players. LeBron James is the guy that has seen everything under the sun. And I compare those two [LeBron and Jokic] a lot and people think I am crazy," Nuggets coach Mike Malone, who saw LeBron as an assistant in Cleveland, said after the Friday victory.

"But aside from the athleticism, their IQ and their ability to play chess and not checkers is just remarkable. And to read the situation, not only how I am being guarded, but the other four defenders on the floor. Yeah, Nikola is like a computer. He reads the stuff very quickly and makes the right read 9.9 times out of 10," Malone added.

James is in his 20th NBA season and not ready to stop putting in crazy numbers. The 38-year-old averages 29.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists over 29 games this season. He is chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring record.

For his part, Jokic is seeking an NBA MVP three-peat with near triple-double averages of 25.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in 35 duels.

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