Nikola Jokic ’s nickname is “The Joker,” but opponents know defending him, especially in the NBA Playoffs, is no laughing matter. A 7-foot behemoth who can score inside and out, and has the wherewithal to recognize where his teammates are at any moment, Jokic is as dominant a big man the league has ever seen.
But in their second-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves , Nikola has found trouble figuring out how to attack the opposing team’s defense, leaving him, at times, frustrated. That effort is making former Timberwolves great Kevin Garnett proud as ever.
Three-headed frontcourt monster
If the eye test isn’t enough to convince you of Jokic’s struggles against this relentless Timberwolves defense, then the numbers will. Whereas the Serbian center punished the listless Los Angeles Lakers’ interior defense to the tune of 28.2 points on 59% shooting, 16.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per contest in the five-game series, Nikola has struggled mightily against the Wolves’ taller and quicker frontline.
In two games, the two-time league MVP is averaging just 24.0 points on 42% shooting. Moreover, while Jokic has remained a dangerous passer, amassing 17 assists, he has also committed 11 turnovers—a figure uncharacteristic of the normally-surehanded pivotman.
“Real sh**, I'm loving the three-headed monster my Young Wolves throwing at the Joker. Rudy, KAT, and Naz ain’t no joke, and then you tiring Joker out by making him play defense. Gon be very tough for Denver to win if the Wolves continue to control everybody,” Kevin wrote on X.
Defense by committee
Jokic is such a handful that it will take an array of defenders to try and contain him. But that’s what the Wolves have in Gobert, who was recently named the Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in his career, the 6-foot-11 four-time All-Star KAT, and the 6-foot-9 Reid. Minnesota has also deployed another smart interior defender and grizzled playoff veteran, Kyle Anderson, to defend Nikola at times, giving him different looks to contend with.
KG says this strategy might just work in their favor, as it will make Jokic earn his points.
“You know what I love about this series? That if Rudy Gobert, who's your first option on Joker, doesn't work, you go to your second option, which is Karl-Anthony Towns,” Garnett said on “KG Certified.” “Guess what, if that doesn't work, we're going to go to our third option, Slowmo. You hear me? We're going to put him right in, and guess what, if that doesn't work, we're going to go Naz Reid.”
Aside from struggling to score, the slumbering but talented big man must also defend the rim against the likes of explosive wingman Anthony Edwards and quick guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which may eventually tire him out, especially if this series goes the distance.
“You've got a lot that you can throw at Joker, and then you've got to make Joker play some defense, bro,” Kevin added.
Minnesota has the upper hand right now, but it would be foolish to expect Denver to just roll over. With Game 3 looming, the Nuggets will surely make adjustments to try to get back into the series. It’s on the Timberwolves to anticipate this and respond accordingly.
Related: "This series is a wrap" - Charles Barkley predicts Timberwolves to clean sweep Nuggets after humiliating them in Game 2
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