A counter to the win signed Josh Okogie

His gesture was not without risk. When he saw Paolo Banchero rise a good meter behind the 3-point line, Josh Okogie did the same and managed to block the Magic player’s shot. The latter, while his team was trailing by 3-points, was looking to send everyone into overtime at the buzzer.

But his opponent from the Suns, whose team remained on three losses in a row, decided otherwise, with a gesture whose cleanliness is indisputable. To commit a fault on the shot, however, was to risk seeing the rookie equalize by converting three free throws.

The idea of ​​making a mistake before the start of the shot, to concede two shots but keep a point ahead, had also been considered. Josh Okogie has finally taken responsibility. ” We didn’t want to give them the chance to shoot, but they did it quickly. Once the clock starts to run out and they are facing the basket, we don’t want to take any risks. And so to be able to make such a gesture at the end is huge for us.“, salute Monty Williams.

The latter, who also underlines the defensive impact of Torrey Craig in this match, considers that his player, a starter who has been well established for a month, ” is one of the few defenders in the league who can jump fast enough and high enough to counter jumpshots “.

An already huge counter in Houston

As proof of this, he points to a striking sequence in December in Houston, mentioned by Chris Paul just before him, where Josh Okogie had countered with authority a 3-point “step-back” from Jalen Green before going to dunk on Tari Eason in the stride.

” This against in Houston, it was something. Because he not only countered but he went and dunked the guy. Everything can happen (on this kind of action), but we trust him. He built that confidence by making those gestures in those kinds of situations. Josh does things I’ve never seen before », testifies “CP3”.

Author of the decisive gesture, and 15 points (4/14 on shots including 2/10 from afar), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks in total, Josh Okogie reports that at the break, Monty Williams said they were taking too many points in transition. ” We tried to contain them and make them play on half-court, to secure the rebound… We managed when necessary “Said the rear, who makes it a point of honor to defend strongly.

” That’s what I’ve been doing since coming to the league. It’s not new to me. I like the challenge, the opportunity to go out there and defend Stephen Curry, Giannis (Antetokounmpo), Banchero, Franz Wagner. It’s fun and I’m always up for the challenge “, Finishes the former Wolves player.