Nikola Jokic is the Rubik’s sphere, rotund and requiring infinite moves to solve. In Jokic’s case, there isn’t — to this point — any definite solution.

Cameras caught Jokic drawing up a play on the sidelines two days after Malone's exit, and then, on Monday, captured a very fired-up Joker getting his team going during Game 1 of the playoff series vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Jokic may have had the best overall performance, the Nuggets actually clinched the victory thanks to a clutch Aaron Gordon three. After Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren missed a free throw with 9.5 seconds to put the Thunder up two, Christian Braun grabbed the rebound and threw it up the court to Russell Westbrook.