Nikola Jokic saw numerous defensive coverages throughout the first two games of the Denver Nuggets’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In a video posted on X, Jokic was seen absorbing numerous pokes on his torso from Timberwolves forward Julius Randle. The sequence happened when Jokic was trying to post up Randle.
No foul was called during the sequence. The Timberwolves were whistled with 30 fouls in the game, while the Nuggets were only called with 24.
Jokic shot 8-of-20 from the field throughout the Game 2 loss. He finished the game with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while shooting 7-of-7 from the free throw line.
Nikola Jokic Gives Props to Rudy Gobert
GettyNikola Jokic lauds Rudy Gobert for his defensive performance in Game 2.
While many struggled to defend Nikola Jokic, Rudy Gobert made it look easy in Game 2 as he forced tough shots on the three-time MVP throughout the game.
Jokic gave props to Gobert’s defensive brilliance in Game 2, explaining how the Timberwolves center deterred his shots en route to a masterclass on the defensive end.
“He’s a really good defensive player, you know? He’s making you make tough shots, he’s a big log, he can reach the ball at any kind of angle and position. So, he’s a really good defensive player,” Jokic told reporters.
Jokic made only one of his seven 3-point attempts in the game as Gobert’s defense extended up to the outside range.
Gobert’s defensive performance came on the same day as his snub in the Defensive Player of the Year race, where he finished fourth in the votes, behind unanimous winner Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Chet Holmgren of the OKC Thunder, and Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons.
While Gobert dealt with foul trouble for most of the second half, Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid took turns guarding Jokic, albeit in varying success.
Nevertheless, the Timberwolves got the job done in the clutch as Jokic could not find his spots late and missed his usual floaters to tie the series entering Game 3.
Timberwolves Return to Minnesota with Momentum
GettyGame 3 of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series goes to Minnesota.
With the win, the Timberwolves will return to Minnesota with much-needed momentum against the Nuggets for Games 3 and 4 in their first-round series.
The Timberwolves and the Nuggets will renew their heated affair in Game 3 on Thursday, April 26. The tip-off will be at 9:30 p.m Eastern time.
The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime in the Target Center, a venue that is expected to be filled with a raucous crowd.
Nikola Jokic Seen Receiving Annoying Pokes From Julius Randle in Game 2