Nikola Jokic might be in retailer for extra of what he saw in games against the Thunder this yr than what he present in video games in opposition to the Timberwolves. They’ve acquired to alter one thing to cease Jokic in the opening spherical of the playoffs, and it seems like he might be in for a stage of play more healthy for Australian soccer than for a basketball court docket. Okay, small stretch.
But a bodily “fight” is what awaits Joker, in accordance to Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. And it could lead on the Joker to a mode of play that price the Nuggets in opposition to the Wolves two seasons in the past.
“At the end of the day, it comes down to the ability to be physical and fight him. And do it every time down,” Finch mentioned.
So mainly, what the Thunder roll out with Alex Caruso appearing like a fronting double-team on Jokic. Every time down. Got it.
They’d higher hope it really works. Joker has been in a position to do what he needs in opposition to the Timberwolves this season. He’s averaged 38.3 factors, 15.0 rebounds, and 11.3 assists.
The Timberwolves can even attempt to make Jokic rating first
The bodily play and double workforce are just one technique the Timberwolves will deploy in opposition to Jokic. Brian Windhorst mentioned on his podcast “Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective” that the Nuggets ought to anticipate the Wolves to force Jokic into a score-first mode and minimize his assists down.
Windy pointed to the 2023-24 playoffs and the video games six and 7 losses, during which Jokic had solely 2 and seven assists. They tried to pressure Jokic to attain from past the arc, and he could not get it achieved, which turned out to be a significant distinction in the ultimate two video games.
Obviously, the Timberwolves weren’t in a position to replicate that success throughout the common season this yr, and Julius Randle is not Karl-Anthony Towns. Randle had a defensive score of 113.1 this yr and KAT had a score of 109.1 in 2023-24.
That technique makes a little bit sense, given that each one of Jokic’s buddies make up the league’s finest three-point taking pictures workforce, at 39.6% for the season.
Jokic must be ready for the bodily play
Jokic has been seeing physical play all season, relying on the opponent. He’s been met with a fronting guard who has been in a position to get away with bodily play 20 toes from the basket. Physical play that may most likely be a foul below the hoop. For no matter purpose, Joker is not getting that whistle, and groups are exploiting it.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman will need to figure out the combination that works finest to get an open look for Jokic to seek out them. He will. He’s been slinging the rock round like prime John Elway this yr.
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