It was a brushstroke of brilliance on a painting crafted hundreds of times before. Nikola Jokic pump-faked from the top of the key, coaxing Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma’s right foot a step too high. Two dribbles came to get past Kuzma, and a left-to-right spin to shed him, setting up the threat of a hook.

Denver has lost six of their last ten games, mainly due to a five-game injury absence from superstar center Nikola Jokic. But, on Friday night, Jokic showed exactly what the Nuggets were missing during his absence.