The NBA playoffs is here and Julius Randle just said the quiet part out loud. When asked about defending Nikola Jokic, Randle basically admitted he might need divine assistance. Yes, actual help from above. Not better footwork, not film study, not even a double team. We’re talking full-on “God, take the wheel” energy.
And honestly? Respect the honesty, because guarding Jokic is not a normal basketball assignment. This man doesn’t play like a center, he plays like a 7-foot point guard who drank a gallon of IQ juice. You think you’re defending a post move, and suddenly he’s throwing a no-look pass to a player you forgot even existed.
So when Randle says he needs God’s intervention, he’s not exaggerating, he’s just being realistic.
“Probably gotta call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors,” Randle joked on Wednesday, per Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. “It’s going to be a tough matchup. He’s an incredible player. … It’s going to be a battle, but we’re prepared. We’re ready for it.”
Randle spent just over 22 minutes guarding Jokić during the regular season, the second-most time any player spent defending the three-time MVP (via NBA.com).
Jokić fared well in the individual matchup, scoring 43 points and dishing out 16 assists compared to eight turnovers. He also shot 16-of-24 from the field and 3-of-3 from behind the arc when defended by Randle.
It’s worth noting that few players were able to slow down Jokić during the regular season, though.
He recorded 27.7 points per game, while his averages of 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game both led the league. Jokić connected on 56.9 percent of his field goals and 38.0 percent of his triples.
Jokes aside, this is what makes the playoffs great. The stakes are higher, the matchups are tougher, and sometimes, the only logical response is, “Yes, we might need a miracle.”
Will God answer Randle’s call? Probably busy, but hey, you never know.
Until then, Randle better bring everything he’s got. Defense, effort, maybe a little faith, because guarding Jokic isn’t just basketball, it’s a spiritual warfare.
