“He’s a good defender,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said, disputing the most common refrain used by critics when assessing Nikola Jokic’s value. “You do not have to be a great athlete to be a good defender.”
Instead, as the Raptors tried to withstand Denver’s mounting fourth-quarter comeback on Monday night, the play backfired. With 1:15 left and the Raptors clinging to a 111-110 lead, VanVleet drove downhill at Jokic, seemingly exploiting the space Jakob Poeltl’s screen had created. Jokic got his paws into VanVleet’s window and jostled the ball away from Toronto’s deft point guard.
In the aftermath of that turnover, officially deemed a block, Denver closed on an 8-2 run before winning 118-113 for“Sometimes I feel like Johnnie Cochran, like I’m defense attorney,” an exasperated Nuggets coach Michael Malone said after his team improved to 46-19 on the season. “I’m just gonna let Nikola’s play speak for itself, let his greatness speak for itself.
“He’s a good defender,” Malone said, disputing the most common refrain used by critics when assessing Jokic’s value. “You do not have to be a great athlete to be a good defender.” What Jokic lacks in traditional athleticism he makes up for in positioning, awareness, and intelligence. If there’s a loophole — see his kicked ball violations — he’ll find it.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Kiszla vs. Singer: Is Denver too touchy about criticism of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets?Hey, Nuggets Nation. Why are you so up in your feelings? Who cares if Kendrick Perkins doesn’t think Nikola Jokic is worthy of winning the MVP again?
Weiterlesen »
Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray lead Denver’s comeback win over RaptorsGAME STORY | As long as you’ve got the MVP, the game’s never over.
Weiterlesen »
Yankees’ Oswaldo Cabrera homers for second straight day with no-doubterHere are some nuggets from Yankees’ spring training on Sunday.
Weiterlesen »
Mets’ Brett Baty keeps racking up hits in spring training — and errorsHere are some nuggets from Mets’ spring training on Sunday.
Weiterlesen »
Yankees’ Aaron Hicks bounces back with two hits after outfield blunderHere are some nuggets from Yankees’ spring training on Monday.
Weiterlesen »