The playoffs’ first Game 7 is finally on the horizon. In a pulsating Game 6, the Los Angeles Clippers managed to even the series with their diverse offense. They turned the game around in the second half, creating a 15-point advantage that would help them survive against the Nuggets’ fourth-quarter fury. But most importantly, the Clippers managed to suppress Nikola Jokic, derailing the highly rated Denver offense.
But could the Joker have done more? The three-time MVP scored 28 points, but only had eight in the second half. A lot of it was due to the suffocating defense Clippers’ Ivica Zubac deployed on him. But interim head coach David Adelman also blamed his selflessness for his condensed second half.
Nikola Jokic only shot the ball nine times in the last two quarters. He did have opportunities, but instead chose to make plays for his teammates in hopes of sparking a fightback. While Adelman does admire that quality, he wants to see a much more assertive version of him during the ultimate game of the series.
“We will probably have a better mix on Saturday. You know, let that thing fly a little, especially when Zubac is down the floor. You know Nikola, everything he does, he is trying to be the most unselfish player he can be. Saturday, maybe we need a little more selfishness from the three-point line,” he said about the Nuggets’ revolutionary center.
Nikola Jokic only attempted four threes from beyond the arc. For a traditional center, that might be a high mark. However, the Joker was among the most efficient shooters during the regular season, converting a career-high 41.7% from beyond the arc. That’s a better mark than the league leader Anthony Edwards and even Stephen Curry.
Mar 7, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Moreover, whenever Jokic is aggressive, generally good things happen for the Nuggets. Maybe attempting to get his teammates into rhythm was the correct tactic until now. But with the season on the line, there’s not going to be another chance. And with how Adelman is willing to galvanize his troops, another groundbreaking Nikola Jokic performance could be on the cards.
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