"Lit a fire in him" - Dwight Howard claims credit for igniting spark in Nikola Jokic in pivotal playoff series

Since making his debut in 2014, Nikola Jokic has grown into one of the NBA’s most dominant players. While most attribute the Serbian star’s rise to his relentless work ethic and determination, former NBA champion Dwight Howard playfully claimed credit for inspiring Jokic during a pivotal playoff series.

During an appearance on Michael Porter Jr.'s podcast 'Curious Mike' on Sunday, Howard claimed that he had helped ignite a spark in Jokic during their meeting in the NBA Bubble in 2020.

"I really think when we played them in the bubble, I think that set it lit a fire in him," Howard expressed (Timestamp: 15:09 onwards).

Continuing to offer his views, Howard explained how Jokic developed his game following their matchup.

"I could tell in his game like I watched him slim down a little bit, but you know, I could just see a burst when he's playing. He's moving faster. He's getting into the actions faster. I'm watching before the games. He's doing dunks and stuff. So I'm like dang dude actually like he took his game to another level," he continued. (15:21 onwards).

Jokic and Howard vied against one another during the bubble, with the former Lakers man coming out on top, helping eliminate the Nuggets in the Western Conference finals. However, the following year, Jokic returned with a vengeance and clinched his first MVP award, averaging 26.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

Since then, the Serbian standout has racked up two more MVP awards and steered the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. Even with Howard jokingly taking credit for igniting his rise, Jokić has kept up his extraordinary form, averaging a triple-double last season and posting a career-high 29.6 points per game.

Dwight Howard opens up on playing against Nikola Jokic while praising his versatility: "He got so many weapons."

Dwight Howard is regarded as one of the best centers of the modern era, with the center winning three Defensive Player of the Year crowns during his career. During his appearance on the "Curious Mike" podcast, the defensive juggernaut opened up on his toughest battles in the paint.

While mentioning stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Rasheed Wallace, and Joel Embiid, Howard reserved special praise for Nikola Jokic and his remarkable versatility.

"Obviously, the Joker, you know, I met him during my latter years in his super young years, but watching what he's doing is crazy," Howard expressed (Timestamp: 14:06 onwards). "You know what, he got so many weapons, he's gotten so much better."

Jokic was a frontrunner for the MVP crown last term and could be in the race once again as the Nuggets look to win their second NBA crown after a busy offseason.