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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dribbles the ball. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets are concerned about Nikola Jokic and how teams have been defending him lately. Jokic remains one of the best players in the league, and many still rank him as the best overall. NBA teams have struggled to neutralize Jokic over the past six years with three MVP Awards in that time. However, recent weeks have seen Jokic working harder to keep the Nuggets in close games.
NBA insider Marc Spears reported the following about how Denver currently feels:
“I’m actually hearing that the Nuggets are a little concerned about how he’s being defended of late. Teams are guarding him 18 feet from the basket, leaning on his legs, fronting him, putting their arms around him, but he’s still figuring out a way to ball out.”
Jokic is still playing incredible basketball by putting up video game statistics and consistently having MVP-level performances. However, Denver has struggled more as a team in the race for the Western Conference playoff seeding.
Oh No He Didn't
Marc Spears on Jokic:
“I’m actually hearing that the Nuggets are a little concerned about how he’s being defended of late. Teams are guarding him 18 feet from the basket, leaning on his legs, fronting him, putting their arms around him but he’s still figuring out a way to ball
The Nuggets have clearly fallen behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in the upper echelon. Denver is battling with three other teams with the hopes of moving up to the third season for their best chance at another NBA Championship.
Why This Is So Surprising For Jokic
Denver has had the most foolproof offensive player in the league due to Jokic contributing to every area of the offense. Jokic either scores with ease and/or sets up his teammates for easier baskets with open shots once the defense is drawn on him.
Recent months have seen Jokic having to battle harder for his points due to defenses playing him stricter. Spears revealed that defending him 18 feet away from the basket and forcing him to make quick plays have started to provide some concern for the Nuggets.
Playoff basketball will see coaches unleashing game plans that are intended to play out over the course of a seven-game series. This is shocking news to NBA fans since Jokic has dominated with ease since the start of the decade. Jokic has overcome every defensive scheme, but it appears teams are starting to make him work harder for his victories.
Jamal Murray & Aaron Gordon Must Step Up
The key to Denver’s success will see the entire team needing to step up. Jamal Murray has been a historically great playoff performer, and that is strongly needed again as a second star taking pressure off Jokic.
Aaron Gordon has been a key figure with the team winning at a much higher level when he plays vs losing when he’s out with an injury. The Nuggets need their three best players and rotating role players to step up to compete against the other West contenders.
Denver took some risks in the offseason by losing Michael Porter to gain Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. for playoff depth. The risk must pay off in the postseason to give Jokic another chance at a title. Concerns from the Nuggets about Jokic carrying them will only be answered by the entire team responding in the biggest games.