MVP or not, Nikola Jokic continues to produce his magical display. The Joker poured in 42 points, grabbed 22 boards, and dished six assists in Game 1 against OKC. Even though it was Aaron Gordon who sealed the night with his clutch shot, the Joker still delivered. But it was not just his on-court plays that caught the eyes of many. Since Denver fired Michael Malone on April 8, 2025, Jokic has taken a more vocal role on the sidelines. A moment that Charles Barkley did not miss.

The three-time MVP—normally so composed—flared up in frustration during the second quarter. The cameras caught Nikola Jokic barking orders, gesturing wildly, and rallying his teammates like a man possessed. Whatever it was, it was enough to inspire Nuggets, who outscored OKC 71-59 in the 2nd half. That’s why Chuck credits the 30-year-old more than Coach Adelman. “As long as they got the damn Joker. As long as they got that dude, they going to believe.”

Charles Barkley continued and spoke about the second-quarter huddle moment. “You said something earlier, Joker is coaching right now. He is taking control of that team. You said you’ve seen him be more animated and emotional, it’s all happened in the last month.” The Serbian was always referred to as be calm and collected force, but there is certainly a switch that is visible since Mike Malone was fired with three games left in the regular season.

Back in April, during the Nuggets’ 124-116 road win over the Sacramento Kings. During a third-quarter timeout, Jokić snatched the whiteboard from interim coach David Adelman. That’s what Charles Barkley is signifying with the Nuggets Center taking that role. “But in the last month, he has been doing that. So it goes back obviously, coach is important but the Joker’s like ‘No, no, no, this is my team, we gonna keep winning’ because he’s the one constant, and it’s great to watch, man.”

When Jokić speaks, his team listens; the TNT cameras caught the heated moment live. Whether it’s enough to change another head coach, only time will tell.

Nikola Jokic denies the media narrative of his current behavioral change

It’s not that Adelman is new to the Nuggets locker room. The 43-year-old was the assistant coach since 2017, and was also part of the team’s title celebration in 2023. So, he, too, knows the players well, especially the Joker. After the blowout win in game 7 against the Clippers, Nikola Jokic put any narrative of him controlling the team to rest. Despite the coaching upheaval, Jokić insists his vocal presence on the sidelines isn’t a new phenomenon, but rather a continuation of leadership he’s displayed all season.

“I think they’re just showing more, to be honest,” Jokic said firmly.  Yet, when asked about the so-called “Joker coaching” narrative, he brushed it off, “I think I was vocal, I was talking to the guys, and I always say if I see something and I think it can help the group, I’m going to always say it. So I think the media is just kind of pumping up the story a little bit.” So, as per the 3x MVP, his vocal leadership is not related to any behavior change. Jokić clarified that ownership even informed him ahead of Malone’s dismissal. he was aware of the move before it became public. Jokic is a central cog in the Nuggets’ wheel.

Change or not, Jokic is making sure to deliver for his team without fail. If the players listen to his voice or to Adelman’s, the result should be a Nuggets victory. After a game that they hadn’t led since the first quarter, 24-22, the Joker’s pep talk in the second quarter seemed to have worked in the team’s favor. He would hope for the same as the series continues.

As Denver gears up for the next round, it’s clear Jokić’s steadiness—vocal or not—will be judged by results, not headlines.