We previewed it yesterday as one of the big threats hanging over the Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors duel; and it has come true.
We all know that Nikola Jokic doesn’t have a “defense” that can completely shut him down. Giving him relief isn’t a good idea either. But that’s exactly what it looks like at GSW at the moment: an ease with which you can score points.
One of Steve Kerr’s priorities in implementing his defensive plan, both in name and system, is to draw a suffocating perimeter line to prevent the ball from reaching the marked area in a comfortable position. Because that’s where things get complicated.
There is no more Andrew Bogut, no more Draymond Green in his firsta fabulous Kevin Durant in the tools or a Kevon Looney with knees to pull. The San Francisco team lacks inches, intimidators and strong rivals to escape in consecutive games. Therefore, one of the best possible strategies in this 2024/25 season is to attack him with balls to the post.
Needless to say, what happens when Nikola Jokic is ahead.
OPPONENT SHOT SHEET
Unanswered
Golden State is the NBA team that shoots the most between 5 and 9 feet from the rim (1.5 to 2.7 meters), i.e. between the restricted area and the middle of the bottle. A total of 13.2 basket attempts per game, making them the fifth team to experience greater rival success in actions from this distance (46.2%).
Mike Malone was clear last night and didn’t mess around with experiments or chivalrous gestures. Jokic knew what was going on, made a big deal out of the problem and went up to 38 points and 10 rebounds (+23 in +/-) and moved freely through opponent territory.
The Serb distributed the ball at will from the low post and found little resistance when he tried to get into the Warriors’ “pain zone”, be it when clearing or executing (as a passer/finisher). Pick-and-Roll.
He also shined on the other side, providing several steals that turned into easy points in transition.
And there are five
The final touch came in one of the final moves of the game, as when the Warriors were just one basket away from the tie, it was Jokic who got ahead of Kuminga and made a great block to end a beautiful and even game , but that, at the same time as the previous four, they finally turned their backs on Steve Kerr’s team (119-115), adding their fifth consecutive defeat and removing them from the lead of the West, where they were not too many days ago.
Despite this and despite the defeat The Warriors will be in the next phase of the NBA Cup, as they had previously done their homework, which the Nuggets had not and for whom this victory is not enough to qualify for the quarterfinals.
