With 19 points and 4 rebounds, Chet Holmgren didn’t have a bad game against Denver. He even overtook Nikola Jokic several times at the start of the game. On the other hand, he was pushed around a lot under the circle by the Serb.
The two-time MVP decided to use his physical advantage to attack the circle faster and closer.
“We watched videos, made plans and all that” explained the rookie about his first duel with the MVP of the last Finals. “Obviously it’s a different experience. I had never played against him in my life. And I can’t say I’ve ever played against anyone similar in my life. There are really things he does that are really very complicated to replicate. »
There is in fact only one Nikola Jokic, capable of compiling 28 points on 12/16 shooting, 14 rebounds and 5 assists without seeming to touch it. Simply by using the right moments to attack.
“He’s a really talented guy.” however reassured the Denver star about Chet Holmgren. “But this is his first season. He has to learn everything: the game, his speed, where he has the advantage, where he doesn’t. I think he needs experience. And to be honest, it needs to get a little bigger. But yes, he has a unique talent. »
It must be said that even if Chet Holmgren has added several kilos since his Draft, he still gives a good thirty to Nikola Jokic, even though he is a little taller (2m13 compared to 2m11).
Becoming bigger was in any case not really Nikola Jokic’s problem when he arrived in the NBA, who smiles as he recalls that he rather had to do the opposite work to reach the top of the Big League.
