Nikola Jokic had this to say after Denver Nuggets lose Game 2. He was honest when asked about having a playoff-low four assists and according to him, he doesn’t think or care about stats or whatever via SI;
Reporter: “Nikola, you had a playoff-low four assists tonight. Was that because of something Miami was doing defensively, or were your teammates just missing shots?”
Jokic: “I don’t know, I don’t think about assists or whatever. To be honest, I don’t know the answer. I was just playing. I don’t think when I’m playing about the stats or whatever.”
When ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne asks HEAT coach Erik Spoelstra is the key is making Jokic score, Coach Spo shut that down quickly.
Coach Spo on trying to deal with Jokic. If you can make him a scorer or passer or slow him down at all. You can see even though they won game planning against Jokic is giving him a headache #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/7LogzmjL9O
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) June 5, 2023
Although suggesting that Jokic should score more seems like a simple solution, it is actually more complex than that. Observing the Nuggets throughout the year would reveal that when Jokic has fewer assists, certain factors are at play. Firstly, the team’s defense is often struggling, which compels Jokic to increase his scoring output just to keep them competitive. Secondly, the team is likely missing their open three-point shots.
It’s common knowledge that high-volume shooters often find themselves on struggling teams. This is because good teams rely on contributions from everyone and don’t put all their eggs in one player’s scoring basket.
Nikola Jokic, however, understands the importance of supporting his teammates even when they’re having an off night. During Game 2, when Jamal Murray’s performance was average and KCP and Michael Porter Jr. were below par, Jokic stepped up to keep the team in the game.
It’s worth questioning Michael Malone’s decision not to start Jokic in the 4th quarter, but ultimately, if the team can’t rely on others to hold their own while Jokic is on the bench, then there’s a bigger issue at hand.
With that being said, even though they played like garbage Murray still had a chance to tie a the end, so don’t assume the HEAT has their number.