Nuggets' Nikola Jokic explains how Timberwolves exposed him in NBA Playoffs
TL;DR
Nikola Jokic struggled against the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, scoring 27 points but shooting only 26.9% from the field. He credited Minnesota's defense, particularly Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, for his inefficiency.
Key points
- Nikola Jokic scored 27 points in Game 3.
- He had a field goal percentage of 26.9%.
- Jokic turned the ball over four times, a game-high.
- Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels were key defenders.
- The Nuggets struggled offensively without Aaron Gordon.
Mentioned in this story
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic explains how Timberwolves exposed him in NBA Playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves was over in the first quarter. Coach David Adelman was only able to squeeze 11 points out of his squad in the first 12 minutes. Without Aaron Gordon to help, this trend continued as Nikola Jokic struggled against defenders like Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. If the Nuggets do not want to go down 3-1 in the NBA Playoffs, the three-time MVP needs to address their top weakness first.
Jokic gets real on how Timberwolves exposed Nuggets in NBA Playoffs
Coach David Adelman entrusted Nikola Jokic to play 35 minutes in this NBA Playoffs bout. However, the Nuggets MVP candidate had a historically inefficient game. He managed to score 27 points and knock down all of his 11 free throws. But, his performance when the Timberwolves defenders were on him? Horrendous.
Jokic had a 26.9% field goal percentage and turned the ball over four times which was a game-high. The Nuggets star could only credit the Timberwolves defense led by Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels for stopping him in the NBA Playoffs, via Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
"Theyāre a really good defensive team. And we couldnāt make shots. ā¦ If I make all the shots, then the defense is going to react. So I think thatās why I couldnāt get anybody involved. ā¦ I think I needed to do a bit better job scoring, and then I think it will open up for other guys," the Nuggets big man said.
Jokic was not able to generate much offense to help the other Nuggets too. He only dished out three assists. Coach Adelman did see his star exert more effort on the defensive end against the Timberwolves but those two steals were not enough to keep them alive in this NBA Playoffs game.
The Nuggets did not lead for a single second while the Timberwolves notched a lead as much as 27 points. Coach Adelman and Jokic need to change things up unless they want to go home early in the NBA Playoffs.
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Q&A
How did Nikola Jokic perform against the Timberwolves in Game 3?
Nikola Jokic scored 27 points but had a poor shooting performance, hitting only 26.9% of his field goals.
Who were the key defenders that exposed Jokic's weaknesses in the playoffs?
Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels were the key defenders who effectively limited Jokic's performance during the game.
What does Jokic need to improve to help the Nuggets avoid going down 3-1?
Jokic needs to address his shooting efficiency and reduce turnovers to help the Nuggets stay competitive in the playoffs.