Nikola Jokic can attempt to deflect the MVP conversation he wants, but all bets are off when Charles Barkley has involved.

“The Joker should be the frontrunner for MVP,” Barkley said Thursday, immediately prompting resistance from Reggie Miller and Kenny Smith.  Barkley’s comments on TNT’s tip-off reveal made their way to the Pepsi Center to get Nuggets practice on Friday afternoon.

“Thank you,” Jokic stated. “I heard that Charles Barkley is telling all sort of good stuff about me. I really love that. He’s a huge legend. I don’t even know why Shaq doesn’t love me.   … My poor, I’m joking, I love you Shaq. ”

Nuggets trainer Michael Malone supposed some MVP chatter before this week after he drifted Jokic’s title to the dialogue. Down three starters, it’s been Jokic who’s led the Nuggets to their West-leading 21-9 record that matches with the company ’s greatest 30-game begin within their NBA history.

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In the previous five matches Jokic has averaged 26.6 points on 55 percent shooting, 12.8 rebounds and six assists. The Nuggets have been 4-1 during that interval after finishing a perfect four-game homestand, their only loss coming to Atlanta on the last day of this year ’s greatest road trip.

On top of Barkley’s MVP pick, the 11-time All-Star also referred to as the Nuggets the second-best group from the NBA.

&ldquoWho’s better than us? ” Malone interjected when asked concerning Barkley’s remarks. “Just interested. ”

Barkley still gives the advantage to defending winner Golden State, whom the Nuggets beat at home in the third game of the year.

But more importantly, Malone isn’t even necessarily interested in talking heads touting the Nuggets in any best-of conversation.

“I think it’s better once you fly under the radar,” Malone stated. “When you’re the team that everybody’s gunning for and that, let us continue to do everything. We know exactly what we’re capable of. We are aware that we believe in one another, especially with the injuries we need, for us to do exactly what we’do, the thickness we have and the locker room that we’ve, the culture that we’ve got.

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“Quiet storm. Quiet storm. We don’t even need anyone talking about us. Let’s do our thing, continue to play the way we’re playing and whatever else will look after itself. ”

It’s a similar tone that Malone struck before this year when the Nuggets reeled off 9 wins in their first 10 games. He also doesn’t even need any of the noise trickling down to his young roster and affecting how they play. If the Nuggets keep winning, Malone won’t even have a choice.

Saturday’s competitor, the Los Angeles Clippers, were sitting atop the Western Conference three months ago with a 15-6 record. Theyrsquo;t since dropped seven of their last 10 to fall to No. 6 in the West.  Their swift fall is as good a reminder as any that nothing is obtained in December.

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