First action of the match, and Nikola Jokic tries to push Victor Wembanyama. The Serbian approaches the circle but is countered by the endless arms of the Frenchman, who recovers the ball and launches the counterattack.
Except that behind, the “Joker” will change strategy, multiplying floaters and high trajectory shots to avoid counterattacks. And as the Spurs refused two shots, the MVP of the last Finals punished them in scoring, with 31 points on 13/19 shooting in 31 minutes, plus 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
As is often the case, Nikola Jokic took what the defense gave him to bring his team to victory.
Gregg Popovich: “I don’t think anyone else can do what Nikola does”
“We don’t think he could be MVP, but that says a lot about his intelligence and touch” explains Zach Collins. “He can crash into you, put in floaters, fadeaways, 3-pointers. He can do anything. »
For Gregg Popovich, facing the defending champions is a good test for his young squad.
“The positive thing about playing the Nuggets is that we're playing a team that won the title. And we can see what that requires. Some things you can't match » believes the coach.
Can Victor Wembanyama (17 points at 4/12, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks but 4 lost balls) learn something from his confrontation with the double Serbian MVP, and take things from him? Not really, replies the Texan coach.
“I don’t think anyone else can do what Nikola does”concludes Gregg Popovich.
