Sidelined Jokić to test Nuggets' resilience

The Nuggets pulled off a thrilling escape against the Raptors in the absence of Nikola Jokić and with other key players nursing injuries.

- ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG

Compelled to compete without the National Basketball Association's leading candidate for Most Valuable Player (MVP), the Nuggets scraped out a 106-103 win over Toronto that called for both a celebration in the moment and a moment to ponder their uncertain future.

Jokić, three-time MVP and the engine of everything the Nuggets run on the court, will miss action until late January at the earliest. He hyperextended his left knee in the Nuggets' loss to the Heat, and tests revealed a bone bruise, but no structural damage requiring surgery. During the time he is sidelined, the Nuggets will be negotiating at least 16 games, the results of which are certain to reshape the pecking order in the highly competitive West.