NUGGETS

Opposing teams have to pick their poison with Nikola Jokic

Nov 10, 2021, 6:36 AM

“There isn’t a whole lot you can do. You just sort of hope he has an off night.”

That is a direct quote from a former Denver Nuggets assistant coach, now coaching for another team. And he is describing Nikola Jokic.

There is no question Jokic is one of the most-fascinating players in the NBA. Maybe in the history of the NBA. There really has never been anything like him, at his size. There have been lots of triple double threats over the years in the league, but nothing like this guy. Nothing like the Joker.

As one NBA assistant coach will tell you, it’s almost impossible to game plan for him.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs dare other teams to blitz. They want them to blitz. They invite teams to blitz. Because that’s when Mahomes is at his best.

It’s a lot like Jokic and the Nuggets. They want other teams to double-team him. They almost beg other teams to double-team him. Because, like Mahomes with a blitz, Jokic, with a double team, will find the open man. Oftentimes a wide open man. And then the other team pays.

Of course, If you don’t double team Jokic, there is a great likelihood he will score on you. So, teams are forced to pick their poison with this unicorn. And then, like the coach said, “You just sort of hope he has an off night.”

It’s just incredible when you look at this guy’s numbers. You know other teams are keying on him. You know he is the very first subject in a game planning session against the Nuggets. Yet, he’s still putting up MVP-type numbers.

An MVP with a local sports team doesn’t seem to come around very often in the Mile High City. We have that with Nikola Jokic and I sure hope everyone appreciates it.

I hope everyone is basking in this guy’s greatness. Because we may not see another one like him again.

Nuggets

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns...

Jake Shapiro

Nuggets lose to the Suns again, but it probably doesn’t mean much

The Denver Nuggets have 15 wins and three losses since the All-Star Break and two of those have come against the Phoenix Suns

19 hours ago

PORTER BROTHERS...

Jake Shapiro

Michael Porter Jr. speaks on Jontay Porter’s gambling investigation

Nuggets star forward Michael Porter Jr.'s brother Jontay Porter is at the center of an NBA investigation into prop bets based on his stats

19 hours ago

...

DenverSports.com Staff

This is the golden age of Nuggets basketball

Zach Bye reacts to the unstoppable force that is the Denver Nuggets and explains how Nuggets fans and NBA fans alike should never take a historic talent like Nikola Jokic for granted.

2 days ago

Wyndham Clark...

Will Petersen

U.S. Open champ Wyndham Clark hangs out with Avs and Nuggets

Both teams were glad to share pictures of Wyndham Clark, as he attended the Nuggets game against the Knicks on and then Avs morning skate

6 days ago

...

Rachel Vigil

Is MPJ finally making the star leap?

Jake Shapiro reacts to the recent surge of production from Michael Porter Jr. and explains how he is one of the most crucial pieces for the Nuggets to have in the upcoming playoffs.

7 days ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets...

Jake Shapiro

Two NBA writers list Nuggets among dream NBA playoff matchups

The Denver Nuggets had a dream NBA title run last season—but what is the dream run of matchups for the coming NBA Playoffs

7 days ago

Opposing teams have to pick their poison with Nikola Jokic