
Arsenal come from behind to beat Lyon to take first leg lead to France
Arsenal comes from behind to defeat Lyon 2-1 in Women's Champions League semi-final!
Nikola Jokic's performance has been hindered by Rudy Gobert's defense, contributing to the Nuggets' 3-1 series deficit against the Timberwolves. Shaquille O'Neal's previous refusal to credit Gobert now appears more questionable.
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
Nikola Jokic has produced solid numbers against the Minnesota Timberwolves, yet his overall impact has fallen below the standard typically associated with him.
Many observers have pointed to Rudy Gobert as a key factor, with the French centre’s defensive presence repeatedly disrupting Jokic’s rhythm throughout the series.
That context has grown more significant after Denver’s third straight defeat, a 112-96 loss that leaves the Nuggets trailing 3-1 and searching for answers.
Photo by Emilee Chinn – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Shaquille O’Neal had already made his position clear on Inside the NBA before Game 4, dismissing the idea that Gobert was responsible for Jokic’s dip in efficiency.
The Lakers legend said: “When you’re a great player like Joker, we don’t think people are stopping us. We are just off. We are just having a bad game. When you’re a guy like Joker, you’re just missing shots. I’m not going to sit up here and say Rudy Gobert is shutting him down, I’m never going to say that.”
However, the latest game added weight to the opposing argument, as Gobert once again delivered a disciplined defensive performance.
Jokic shot just 36% from the field on 22 attempts in the Game 4 defeat, marking his third consecutive outing with 40% or less in terms of shooting efficiency.
That stands in stark contrast to his 56.9% field goal average during the regular season, reinforcing the idea that his struggles are not simply random variance.
The ongoing trend has intensified debate around O’Neal’s comments, with Gobert’s influence becoming harder to dismiss.
Rudy Gobert's defensive presence has disrupted Nikola Jokic's rhythm, leading to a decline in Jokic's overall impact during the series.
The Nuggets are currently trailing the Timberwolves 3-1 in the playoff series after suffering three consecutive losses.
O'Neal's refusal to credit Gobert seems more questionable following Jokic's struggles, which have been attributed to Gobert's defensive influence.

Arsenal comes from behind to defeat Lyon 2-1 in Women's Champions League semi-final!

Chelsea's interim manager hails team character after FA Cup semi-final victory.
NHL's playoff scheduling for the Canadiens raises critical questions.
NBA Playoffs: Nuggets face elimination, Thunder could sweep, Magic lead Pistons
Mike McCarthy discusses QB depth chart implications if Aaron Rodgers returns.
Catch the Twins vs Rays in Game 28 at 12:40 PM CDT!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Jokic offered a more balanced assessment when reflecting on his own performances after the game.
While describing his series level as average, he pointed to multiple factors behind the dip in production.
“Like I said, it is a little bit of everything. I’m not shooting the ball really well, especially from the 3. Rudy is doing a good job with being physical, testing the officials, contesting shots. He’s a really good defender, but not just him. They are big, long, tall,” the Serb stated.
His comments highlight both Gobert’s role and the collective defensive effort that has limited Denver’s offensive flow.
Read more: