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Jokic, passer, scorer, creator, inspirer… joker of…

Passer or scorer when the game demands it, facilitator whatever the circumstances, Nikola Jokic is the essential centerpiece of the Nuggets, opposed to Miami in the NBA finals, at the center of all attention, especially that of the opponents, for better make others shine.

Passer or scorer when the game demands it, facilitator whatever the circumstances, Nikola Jokic is the essential centerpiece of the Nuggets, opposed to Miami in the NBA finals, at the center of all attention, especially that of the opponents, for better make others shine.

Beyond the obvious alliteration with his surname, his nickname “Joker” is not usurped. Because the double MVP (2021, 2022), like the card in question, is the major asset of the Denver team capable of taking on any role offensively: control tower through which all the balls pass, master at play inspired and almost always fair choices, and finisher, if necessary, when the hour of the last quarter strikes to deliver the coup de grace.

And this versatility, which he rhymes with excellence, is reflected in the attack of the Nuggets, formidable, protean, effective in the hands of his teammates. So much so that the baskets can rain down on all sides.

This observation again appeared screaming Thursday during the victory at the expense of Miami (104-93) for the first match of the final. First by the numbers, since he again managed a triple-double (27 pts, 14 assists, 10 rebounds), bringing the NBA record to 9 in these play-offs, two better than the old reference mark by Wilt Chamberlain.

– “The beauty of Nikola” –

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets during game N.1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, June 1, 2023 in Denver

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets during game N.1 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, June 1, 2023 in Denver

MATTHEW STOCKMAN – GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

These statistics mainly reflect his ability to let the game come to him, without rushing. In the first period, he only attempted three shots, all successful, then favoring passes, 10 in number. And, when it was necessary, because the Heat had just returned to 10 units after having counted up to 24, he played lethal weapons to kill all suspense, planting eight points in the last four minutes.

“I take everything the game gives me. I don’t force things, I’ve never done that,” he said after the game, looking somewhat bored if not disinterested in having to explain his skills giving the impression of confusing ease, other than by the natural side of things.

His trainer Michael Malone, on the other hand, was much more willing to highlight what characterizes his player.

“He never tries to impose his will or force things that aren’t there. He’s going to read the game. He’s going to do the right thing. And, most importantly, he’s going to make everyone of his best teammates. I think that’s the beauty of Nikola,” he said.

“There’s something else: he takes great pleasure in playing for others,” added Malone. “It really does. I think that’s what makes him happiest. I don’t think he cares whether he has scored 27 points or not. What interests him is is that we are leading 1-0.”

– Disarmingly natural –

Nikola Jokic answers questions from journalists after the Denver Nuggets' victory against the Miami Heat (104-93) on June 1, 2023 in DenverNikola Jokic answers questions from journalists after the Denver Nuggets' victory against the Miami Heat (104-93) on June 1, 2023 in Denver

Nikola Jokic answers questions from journalists after the Denver Nuggets’ victory against the Miami Heat (104-93) on June 1, 2023 in Denver

Jamie Schwaberow – GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

The Heat, suffering from a size deficit, were first overwhelmed inside, suffering the aggression of Aaron Gordon (16 pts at 7/10) and Michael Porter Jr (14 pts, 12 rebounds), then by the offensive performance of Jamal Murray (26 pts, 10 assists). All were put in a favorable position by the Serb, by his screens or his distribution of caviars when he was the subject of a two-man strike.

“It’s his way of playing, abounded Murray. And that’s how we play basketball. If everyone scores, there is no need to force. He lets the game come to him. And that’s what I think is the beauty of our team. We have so many different weapons and different styles of play.”

Just after the game, on NBA TV, Jokic, asked which player inspired his way of playing when he was a kid, replied “I think it’s Shaq” O’Neal, in a burst of laughter, face to the interested party present in front of him, surprised to say the least. And for good reason, his devastating power on the courts was the antithesis of the finesse and address that characterize the Serb.

Another way to release the “joker”, for this joker (another meaning of joker in English), who was again reluctant to extend, but whose naturalness indeed seems as disarming as his basketball.

By Nicolas PRATVIEL / Denver (United States) (AFP) / © 2023 AFP

2023-06-03 01:44:24
#Jokic #passer #scorer #creator #inspirer.. #joker #of..

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