NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
After recording an impressive 42 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists in Denver’s Game 1 victory away from home, Jokic has faced challenges against the tough defense of OKC.
In the last two games, he has managed only nine assists while turning the ball over 10 times. His shooting has also been off, as he has made only about 30 percent of his field goal attempts and has converted just two out of 18 three-point shots.
Following the Nuggets’ loss in Game 4, Jokic, widely regarded as one of the most effective players in NBA history, spoke about his recent struggles with shooting, despite still being more productive than many others.
“It’s a bit of everything. They’re playing exceptional defense against me — really physical and hands-on. I think I missed a couple of open shots tonight. It’s a combination of factors. They’re constricting the space for me and have an extra defender behind — so yeah, there’s a lot going on. I need to improve, of course, but that’s how the game goes,” Jokic explained in the postgame press conference.
He also commented on the record-low scoring first quarter in playoff history, which saw just 25 points combined.
“They scored 17, so our defense was solid. We had some open opportunities. They were physical, as expected. That’s part of the game. In the second quarter, we managed to score 28 points, which was a solid performance. We were only down by five or six,” Jokic added.
The Serbian center acknowledged the talent of OKC’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is also his competitor in the MVP race.
“We didn’t do enough to support CB or Russ, giving him extra focus and making him think more. Shai is an incredible player and was a key factor in their victory.”
With the series moving back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, it is already confirmed that the teams will face each other again in Denver afterward.
“We’re tied 4–4 this season. We need to create opportunities for ourselves — play with intensity and aggression. They are the favorites and have been playing exceptionally well, winning 67-68 games. We just have to give ourselves a shot at winning,” Jokic concluded.
