Jokić finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a win over the Kings in Denver's first game without Malone

"Jokic was privy to the decision [firing Malone] before it was announced, and there was not an objection, people familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the team’s internal operations."

Josh Kroenke might’ve woken up the beast. But when it came to accountability, the Nuggets’ governor/interim president of basketball operations this week looked largely asleep at the