Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris, an obvious synergy

Full-time Nuggets leader this season, pending the potential return of Jamal Murray for the playoffs, Monte Morris (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4.3 assists) is developing an effective relationship on the floor with Nikola Jokic, like the Canadian before him .

Spearhead of the Nuggets’ attack for several seasons, this 1-5 axis allows Denver to do much more than make up the Western Conference. This is evidenced by their excellent record of 40 wins for 27 losses, synonymous with 6th place and therefore direct qualification for the playoffs, without going through the “play-in”.

Less flashy and talented than Jamal Murray in attack, Monte Morris is a more cautious player. For Mike Malone, the former Iowa State player is actually the point guard version of Nikola Jokic. ” He and Nikola have the same kind of impact on the team. With Monte, we take the time to set up our systems, we rule out the game, we read the defenses. He knows that Nikola is going to be all the attention, so he has to keep the pressure on the defences.“

A passer at heart, Monte Morris is associated in the five major with the best pivot passer in the whole league. Associated on “pick-and-roll”, the two players therefore rarely make the wrong choice.

” I have always been a good passer, in high school and in university. He [Nikola Jokic] has always been famous for his passing, so when you match two identical profiles in a two-man game, 9 times out of 10, you make the right decision. We are both first and foremost smugglers explains Monte Morris.

” We understand each other” adds the “Joker”. ” He has no ego. He will do whatever is necessary to win the game.“

Without Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and Monte Morris are therefore the new engine of the Nuggets this season. The two men are the two gears that keep Denver’s always well-oiled collective running.