Nikola Jokic’s triple-double, Michael Porter Jr.’s career-high 37 fuel Nuggets over Thunder in overtime

Not so fast, rookie.

On the afternoon of Michael Porter Jr.’s Orlando eruption, with the tantalizing 6-foot-10 stretch forward pouring in a career-high 37 points, Nikola Jokic reminded everyone who’s in charge of the Nuggets’ “bubble” fate.

Jokic tossed the Nuggets on his so-called skinny shoulders and carried them over the Thunder in overtime, 121-113, Monday afternoon. The victory was Denver’s first since March 9, and improved its record to 44-23.

Jokic, who dominated the overtime period with his rebounding, energy and effort, finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. After Porter shattered his previous career-high of 25, Jokic ensured Denver wasn’t going to lose.

For the second game in the row, the Nuggets were without regular starters Jamal Murray (hamstring), Gary Harris (hip) and Will Barton (knee). And, for the second consecutive game, the Nuggets replaced their injured starters with Porter, Torrey Craig and Monte Morris. While no update was given as to the return dates of Murray, Harris and Barton, Nuggets coach Michael Malone said all three would “probably” remain on the bench even if Monday’s contest had been a playoff game.

That’s the first indication of the severity of their collective ailments.

But in place of Murray, Morris’ steady play was invaluable down the stretch. He finished with 17 points in 39 minutes.

After a quiet first half, Jokic asserted himself in the third quarter and forced the issue against an Oklahoma City frontcourt he’s historically dominated. Not only was Jokic calling for the ball and funneling the offense, but his defensive activity and energy was apparent. While Porter momentarily cooled, Jokic demanded the ball and repeatedly got to the free-throw line.

The performance was reminiscent of Jokic’s play last postseason, when in his playoff debut he carried the Nuggets to the verge of the conference finals.

Given everything that’s gone wrong for the Nuggets amid their NBA restart in Orlando, Malone came into Monday’s game declaring he was far more concerned with his team’s performance than whatever the Thunder had in store. With persistent turnover issues going back to the scrimmage games, Malone challenged his team to play a cleaner game. He also wanted to see a more consistent effort.

“This is all about us,” Malone said. “Oklahoma City is a very good team. I actually voted for Billy Donovan to be Coach of the Year. I think they’ve had an outstanding season. … Nobody expected much of them.

“With that being said, we’re going to be without a bunch of key players once again, so I’m just worried about us,” he added. “Can we find a way to improve? Our challenge today is can we have a much more sustained effort, across the board, offensively, defensively for as close to 48 minutes as possible. I want to see our guys compete. I want to see our guys play harder.”

For the most part, they did. Their defensive effort, evident via six first-half steals, was noteworthy.

But the Thunder took a 51-50 lead into halftime after the Nuggets’ 3-point defense was exposed yet again. Oklahoma City buried seven 3-pointers in the first two quarters after the Nuggets got torched on Saturday against Miami in similar fashion.

Porter, though, erupted in the first half with 20 points and nine rebounds, carrying Denver’s offense with his spacing and movement.