By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After scoring 42 points with 22 rebounds and six assists in Denver’s Game 1 win on the road, Jokic has encountered more problems against OKC’s physical defense.
Over the past two games, he has dished out only nine assists while committing 10 turnovers. He’s also struggled with his shot, connecting on just around 30 percent from the field, and hitting only two of 18 three-point attempts.
Speaking after Denver’s Game 4 loss, Jokic — considered one of the most efficient players in NBA history — addressed his recent shooting woes, even though he’s still producing more than most.
“I mean, it’s a little bit of everything. They’re playing really good defense on me. They’re really into my body — handsy, physical. I think I missed like two, three open looks tonight. So, it’s a little bit of everything. They’re shrinking the floor for me, they’ve got a guy behind the defender — so yeah, a little bit of everything. I need to do a better job, of course, but it’s part of the game,” Jokic said at the postgame press conference.
He also addressed the historic first quarter that saw the fewest combined points in postseason history — just 25.
“They scored 17, so our defense was good. We had open looks. They were physical, of course. It’s part of the game. In the second quarter, we scored 28 points — it was a good half. We were down five or six,” Jokic noted.
The Serbian center also tipped his hat to OKC’s leader — and his rival in the MVP race — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“We didn’t do enough helping CB or Russ, giving him extra attention and making him think a little bit more. Shai is an amazing player. He was one of the reasons they won the game.”
The series now heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 5, though it’s already certain the teams will meet again in Colorado afterward.
“We’re 4–4 on the season. We need to give ourselves a chance — play physical, aggressive… They’re the favorites, they’re playing amazing, they won 67–68 games. We just need to give ourselves a chance to win a game,” Jokic concluded.