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 player par excellence (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 playing 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 series, two better than Wilt’s former reference mark. Chamberlain.
“Nikola’s Beauty”
These statistics mainly reflect his ability to let the game come to him, without rushing. In the first half, 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 counting up to 24, he played lethal weapons to kill all suspense, planting eight points in the last four minutes.
“I take whatever the game gives me. I don’t force things, I’ve never done it, “he said after the meeting, as if 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 will read the game. He will do the right thing. And, the most important thing is that he will make each of his teammates better. I think that’s the beauty of Nikola,” he said.
“There’s another thing: he takes great pleasure in playing for others,” added Malone. “It really is. I think that’s what makes him the happiest. I don’t think he cares whether he scored 27 points or not. What interests him is that we are leading 1-0. »
Natural disarming
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 the way he plays,” Murray said. 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 makes, I believe, the beauty of our team. We have so many different weapons and different playstyles. »
Just after the game, at the microphone of NBA TV, Jokic, asked which player inspired his way of playing when he was a kid, replied “I think it’s Shaq” in a burst of laughter, facing the interested present in front of him, surprised to say the least. And for good reason, his devastating power on the pitch was the antithesis of the finesse and skill that characterize the Serb.
Another way to release the “joker”, for this joker, who was again reluctant to extend, but whose naturalness indeed seems as disarming as his basketball.
2023-06-02 19:57:00
#NBA #Centerpiece #Nuggets #Nikola #Jokic #teammates #shine
