“It’s cool that we were able to finish that time out with a championship,” MPJ said Thursday. “Because I feel like if I didn’t get that ring or finish my time here with a ring, then it would have been hard to move into the situation I’m in now.”

The Nuggets are on the lookout for salary-shaving moves as the NBA trade deadline nears. Better than being forced to reckon with the end of an era, like Milwaukee is.

Nikola Jokic averages about 35 minutes per game. Which means if the Joker wasn’t on a “pitch count” against the Clippers, he was a pace for 43 points, 16 boards and seven assists. All after a month on the shelf.

Nikola Jokic scored 31 points in 24 minutes Friday for the Nuggets in his return from a left knee injury. Here’s what he said about the recovery process.

“We know Memphis well now,” coach David Adelman said in his signature dry tone. “We know it in the snow. We know it in the heat. We know the hotel well.”

Payton creates high expectations and holds people accountable, which is the fabric of his elite culture building. But Payton cannot help himself. He is not a vibes guy. He is a mood.