Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has opened up about his recent grief and requested privacy following the unexpected death of his former coach, Dejan Milojevic. Jokic, known for his occasionally sardonic dealings with the press, expressed his love and respect for his Serbian coach while emphasizing his desire to avoid turning the situation into a spectacle.

During his first interview since Milojevic's passing at age 46 last week, Jokic shared that his family was deeply shocked by the news and spoke fondly of his former coach's entire family. Despite the sadness surrounding him, basketball has been a sanctuary and source of joy for the talented center.

Jokic's wife and daughter made a rare appearance at a recent road game in Washington, where he delivered a remarkable performance, scoring a season-high 42 points. It was their first time together since the tragic news. Milojevic, who also worked as an assistant coach for the Warriors, suffered a heart attack during a team dinner and passed away the next day.

Milojevic played a crucial role in Jokic's career, having coached him at the Serbian club Mega Basket before and after he was drafted by the Nuggets in 2014. Under Milojevic's guidance, Jokic won the MVP of the Adriatic League. Since then, Jokic has exceeded all expectations, achieving two league MVP titles and an NBA Finals MVP.

In light of these recent events, Jokic's performances on the court have become even more remarkable. He played an instrumental role in the Nuggets' victory against the Celtics, contributing 34 points and ending Boston's 27-game, 10-month home winning streak. The crowd in Washington also showed their support by giving Jokic ovations and chanting "M-V-P."

In their last three road wins, Jokic and his teammate Jamal Murray have been an unstoppable duo, averaging an impressive 64 points, 19.3 rebounds, and 15.3 assists combined. Their stellar performances have propelled the Nuggets to victory and instilled confidence in the team.

Jokic's focus remains firmly on the game, blocking out distractions such as following the Western Conference standings. Despite the loss of his coach and the personal implications of each game, he chooses to stay present in the moment and concentrate on playing his best.

As Jokic continues to excel on the court, his dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike. The basketball community rallies around him as he mourns the loss of his beloved coach, understanding that the sport provides a space for healing and solace in difficult times.