Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone raved about Nikola Jokic after his return from an ankle injury against the Milwaukee Bucks.

And Nikola Jokic, making his return from a five-game absence caused by elbow and ankle injuries, tallied 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. If there was any doubt as to his health, he seemed to alleviate them by throwing down his usual pregame dunk — then by slamming another in the first quarter.

Nikola Jokić rejected the dribble handoff, spun quickly and blew right by Brook Lopez. The explosive first step, the one that had been missing in the last few weeks, got Jokić into the lane with ease.