Nikola Jokic has been in the discussion for best player in the NBA for a while now, but the biggest knock on him has always been his deficiencies on the defensive end.
Many pointed to it being the reason why the Denver Nuggets won’t have success in the playoffs, but it is safe to say Jokic has put that talk to bed. While he hasn’t been elite, he has played good defense so far and when asked about it, had a hilarious response.
“I think I need to get a trophy, my friend,” Jokic said. “I don’t know where it is. I’m joking.”
(starts at 3:34 mark):
While Jokic may not be getting a trophy for his defense, the NBA title and Finals MVP trophy might be headed his way. He had 27 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists, a steal, and a block in Game 1 to lead the Nuggets to a 104-93 win over the Miami Heat. He continues to impact the game in so many ways, and the Heat, just like all the teams before them, had no answer for him.
Jokic has answered his critics in spectacular fashion this postseason with averages of 29.8 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 10.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.9 BPG. Paul Pierce called it one of the most incredible playoff runs ever and it certainly has been one so far.
Jimmy Butler Praised Nikola Jokic’s Defense
Jimmy Butler has been on an incredible playoff run of his own, and these Finals are seeing the two best postseason performers of 2023 facing off against each other. Butler stated in the lead-up to Game 2 that while Jokic’s offensive capabilities are what gets all the attention, he is a ‘hellified’ defender as well.
While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it is clear Butler has a lot of respect for the Serbian. He’ll be hoping to find a way to consistently attack Jokic at the rim in Game 2, however, as the Heat need to be more aggressive if they are to win this series.
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