Nikola Jokic

How does Nikola Jokic look after his long layoff? What is driving the Knicks' current winning streak?

Jokic was supposedly still under a minutes restriction on Wednesday. Due to the combination of the game requiring two overtimes and Jonas Valanciunas (two points, three rebounds and two assists) struggling with foul trouble, the three-time MVP's restriction appeared to be nothing more than a suggestion. Jokic played 44 of a possible 58 minutes, recording his 17th triple-double of the season. There was an injury scare during the first quarter when The Joker hit the floor with a left leg injury, but he was able to return. The lone issue for him was three-point shooting, with Jokic going 1-of-13 from beyond the arc.

Jokic generated 30 points (10-27 FG, 1-13 3Pt, 9-12 FT), 14 rebounds and 10 assists across 44 minutes of Wednesday's 134-127 double overtime loss to the Knicks.

Jones is back in the Nuggets' starting lineup for Wednesday's game, with his inclusion coming at Jalen Pickett's expense. Denver will have a decision to make afterward, as this is the 50th game Jones has been active for this season, the limit for players on two-day deals. If the Nuggets want to have Jones available for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs, they'll need to convert him to a standard contract.

Jokic closed Tuesday's 124-121 loss to Detroit with 24 points (9-19 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 15 rebounds, four assists, one block and two steals in 33 minutes.