Have the Lakers found the Martingale to limit Nikola Jokic ? Two weeks ago, the Californians had offered a defensive demonstration, notably by putting wingers-Rui Hachimura mainly, but also LeBron James or Dorian Finney-Smith-on the triple MVP and not a pivot.
That evening, in Denver's defeat, the Serbian had only shot seven times, for six lost balloons and only 12 points. The Kings applied the same method, letting Jonas Valanciunas take care of Russell Westbrook to launch Jake Laravia and Keegan Murray or Zach Lavine and Demar derozan on Nikola Jokic.
“It took us time to acclimatize to their choice to put Valancunas on Westbrook and assign a player to attack Nikola everywhere on the prosecution”,, Comments Michael Malone.
“It takes a balance because, if I push an exterior away from the circle, I will take a fault. You need consistency “
The nugget pivot ended the meeting against Sacramento with 22 points and especially 7 lost balloons, its main downside recently since it runs at 4.7 spoiled possessions since the recovery. If he suffers in front of smaller players, there is a simple reason for the coach: they have too many freedoms on the defensive level …
“Next question”he replies, not wanting to take a fine. “I like this question because I would have so much to say about it. If you want to open a kitty, guys, then I would say what I mean. »»
Nikola Jokic is more frank when asked the question of freedoms given to the exteriors when they defend on him. Do they really exist? ” Yes “, he replied. “It is not because a player is more powerful than another can push him”, he said, explaining this to the referees during the meetings. “It takes a balance because, if I push an exterior away from the circle, I will take a fault. You need consistency. »»
With a single technical fault and no expulsion so far, the bronze medalist of the 2024 Olympic Games is in control. “I find that I come out well. Sometimes we are punished for a reaction, or I am frustrated because I was sanctioned for a reaction. And the referees do not look at why I reacted like this ”he concludes.
| Nikola Jokic | Percentage | Rebound | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | Lf | Off | Def | Early | PD | Fte | Int | COP | Ct | Pts |
| 2015-1 | Barter | 80 | 22 | 51.2 | 33.3 | 81.1 | 2.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 9.9 |
| 2016-17 | Barter | 73 | 28 | 57.8 | 32.4 | 82.5 | 2.9 | 6.9 | 9.8 | 4.9 | 2.9 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 16.7 |
| 2017-18 | Barter | 75 | 33 | 49.9 | 39.6 | 85.0 | 2.6 | 8.1 | 10.7 | 6.1 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 18.5 |
| 2018-19 | Barter | 80 | 31 | 51.1 | 30.7 | 82.1 | 2.9 | 8.0 | 10.8 | 7.2 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 20.1 |
| 2019-20 | Barter | 73 | 32 | 52.8 | 31.4 | 81.7 | 2.3 | 7.5 | 9.7 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 19.9 |
| 2020-21 ★ | Barter | 72 | 35 | 56.6 | 38.8 | 86.8 | 2.8 | 8.0 | 10.8 | 8.3 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 0.7 | 26.4 |
| 2021-22 ★ | Barter | 74 | 34 | 58.3 | 33.7 | 81.0 | 2.8 | 11.0 | 13.8 | 7.9 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 27.1 |
| 2022-23 | Barter | 69 | 34 | 63.2 | 38.3 | 82.2 | 2.4 | 9.4 | 11.8 | 9.8 | 2.5 | 1.3 | 3.6 | 0.7 | 24.5 |
| 2023-24 ★ | Barter | 79 | 35 | 58.3 | 35.9 | 81.7 | 2.8 | 9.5 | 12.4 | 9.0 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 26.4 |
| 2024-25 | Barter | 56 | 36 | 57.6 | 43.9 | 81.9 | 2.9 | 9.9 | 12.8 | 10.4 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 3.3 | 0.6 | 28.8 |
| Total | 731 | 32 | 55.9 | 36.0 | 82.6 | 2.7 | 8.2 | 10.9 | 7.2 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 21.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
