Renck: Facing American team full of All-Stars in Paris, Nikola Jokic reminds world just how great he truly is

It was U.S. vs US.

For nearly two hours Thursday afternoon, Denver divided along party lines that had nothing to do with Democrats and Republicans.

Team USA faced Serbia in the semifinal round of the men’s basketball tournament at the Summer Games in Paris. Those who view the Olympics only in colors — red, white and blue — cheered eagerly and anxiously for the Americans. Those in Denver who waited 47 years to celebrate an NBA championship found themselves pulling for the Nuggets’ three-time most valuable player Nikola Jokic.

What unfurled was a classic. Team USA overcame a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, advancing to the title game against France on Saturday with a 95-91 victory.

Admit it. Many of you were disappointed. Jokic is our local treasure, the Nuggets’ answer to John Elway. Even if you were pulling for the Americans, you did not root against Jokic. How could you? Complicating matters is the fact that Team USA features so many players that Nuggets fans detest.

LeBron James? He is ageless, one of the greatest ever, but known in Ball Arena for his Fine Whine.

Joel Embiid? He has not played in Denver since 2019, ducking matchups with Jokic. When I asked the 76ers star about facing the Nuggets star in the Olympics last month, he responded, “I don’t care about Jokic.” Unless, of course, the game is in Philadelphia. On his terms.

Devin Booker? Does “Suns in Four” ring a bell?

Steph Curry? OK, he doesn’t froth us in anger save for the annoying chomping of his mouthpiece.

The American men are seeking their fifth straight gold medal. USA coach Steve Kerr insisted his current roster includes 12 Hall of Famers — a boast that has grown increasingly questionable over the past month.

Jokic played with zero All-Stars on Thursday, though Bogdan Bogdanovic performed like one with his sharp-shooting and razor-tongue taunting of former Nuggets legend Carmelo Anthony in his courtside seat.