For years, NBA players and coaches have been scratching their heads, trying to find a way to stop Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets center has proven to be a formidable force on the court, dominating in all aspects of the game. Some believe that the key to stopping him is by taking away his teammates, while others argue that he needs to be forced to pass the ball over and over. However, one thing is clear – Jokic is a force to be reckoned with, and he can excel at both scoring and facilitating for his team.
Recently, Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton spoke about his experience playing against Jokic and had an honest admission about the Serbian star. Haliburton, who is known for his impressive court vision and passing skills, faced off against Jokic and the Nuggets on multiple occasions during his first season in the NBA. And like many before him, he found it challenging to contain Jokic’s dominance.
In an interview with The Cold Wire, Haliburton shared his thoughts on Jokic’s game and how he believes he can be stopped. “I think the best way to defend Jokic is to take away his teammates,” Haliburton said. “He’s such a great passer and facilitator, so if you can limit his options and make him rely on his own scoring, that’s the best chance you have.”
Haliburton’s statement is not surprising, as many teams have tried to implement this strategy against Jokic. However, it’s easier said than done. Jokic’s passing ability is unparalleled, and he always seems to find a way to get his teammates involved, no matter how much pressure he’s facing. This was evident in the Nuggets’ recent playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers, where Jokic averaged 9.8 assists per game, even with the Blazers’ defense focused on stopping him.
But Haliburton didn’t stop there. He also acknowledged Jokic’s scoring prowess and the need to make him pass the ball over and over. “He’s also a great scorer, so you have to make him pass the ball multiple times in a possession. That can be tiring for him, and it takes away from his scoring opportunities,” Haliburton explained. “But again, it’s easier said than done. He’s just a great all-around player.”
Haliburton’s admiration for Jokic’s game is shared by many in the NBA. The 26-year-old center has proven to be a unique talent, with his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. He can score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s in the paint or behind the arc, and he’s also an excellent rebounder and defender. But what sets Jokic apart is his passing ability. He sees the floor like few others and can make passes that seem impossible to the average player.
Despite his impressive skills, Jokic has often been overlooked and underrated throughout his career. He was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NBA draft and has worked his way up to become one of the league’s best players. His humble demeanor and team-first mentality have also earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, including Haliburton.
As the NBA continues to evolve, with more focus on three-point shooting and athleticism, Jokic stands out as a throwback to the traditional big man. And yet, he’s also a modern-day unicorn, with his unique skill set and versatility. He has proven time and time again that he can excel at both scoring and facilitating, making him a nightmare for opposing teams to defend.
In the end, there may not be a foolproof way to stop Nikola Jokic. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent who continues to improve and evolve his game. But as Tyrese Haliburton and others have suggested, limiting his options and making him work for his points may be the best chance teams have against him. And even then, there’s no guarantee that he won’t find a way to dominate the game.
