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Nikola Jokic from Denver embodies John Wooden’s saying, “Hurry, don’t rush.”
It was evident in the Nuggets’ Game 2 win against the Clippers to tie that series, where Jokic had 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, hit four 3s, plus 18 rebounds and four assists. The Jamal Murray / Jokic pick-and-roll was a puzzle the Clippers couldn’t solve. All done to the rhythm of Jokic. After the game, he was asked about his patience on the court and The Joker went for the joke, via Mike Singer of the Denver Post.
“I’m patient because I can’t really run fast,” he said. “That is my only option.”
Let’s say Jokic is not an explosive athlete by NBA standards. But he’s patient, he’s in no rush, he’s smart, and he finds his spaces that way.
Here, Jokic feels the help of PG and decides to use the edge as a defense for himself. pic.twitter.com/t5WFhvO9La
– Mike Singer (@msinger) September 6, 2020
The Clippers felt like they let Nikola Jokic get comfortable after the game, and then it all went downhill.
“He’s one of the best offensive players in this league, and you know, he has a lot of moves and he can shoot from the outside,” Clippers big man Ivica Zubac said after the loss. “But you know, I didn’t start the game well defensively. I let them get the ball easily into the post. I wasn’t physical with him like I’m supposed to …
“Overall, I didn’t do a good job defensively tonight, and you know, I’m going to watch the movie and see where I can improve and bring it up next game.”
It’s not all up to Zubac defending Jokic, he’s too good. It is a team effort. But if he’s comfortable and puts 26 and 18 back in the next game, the Clippers will chase the Nuggets in the playoffs.
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