Nikola Jokic embracing the moment in first NBA postseason run, says Nuggets coach Mike Malone
Tuesday 30 April 2019 23:33, UK
Nikola Jokic is 'embracing the moment' in his first NBA postseason run, says Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone.
The Serbian center starred as the Nuggets opened their Western Conference semi-final with the Portland Trail Blazers in winning fashion, earning a 121-113 victory to take a 1-0 series lead.
Jokic poured in 37 points and added nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and a pair of blocks. He also made a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line.
"I think it comes down to Nikola embracing the moment and he's showing that maybe he is a lot tougher than any of us thought," said Malone. "To play that kind of minutes and play at that level is really remarkable for such a young player going through [the playoffs] for the first time.
"[It was a] hell of a win. Way to start it off. San Antonio, we gave away Game 1. We started this series off right by winning at home."
Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray hailed Jokic's Game 1 performance while heaping praise on several of his team-mates.
"It's 'Joker'. He can catch the ball on the block then score on anybody, he said. "That was working. They didn't double him. He went to work and they couldn't stop him.
"Paul [Millsap] did a great job of moving without the ball. Gary [Harris] had an exceptional night as well. We've got a lot of weapons, and [Nikola] had a good night tonight."
After the game, Jokic spoke of the developing understanding between himself and Murray. "We are playing really good together," he said. "We are learning and teaching each other - where you need to be, how to set a screen. We just see different coverages, see different things and we're just kind of adjusting.
"[Murray is] a great basketball player, great competitive guy, and I just love to have him as a team-mate."
Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard discussed Jokic's 'old school' game and highlighted the attention to detail the Serbian center brings to the court.
"He does a lot of little things that are in his favour because he doesn't depend on athleticism and speed. It's kind of sneaky," Lillard said. "But when you relax, he's getting the all extra rebounds, and two points and free throws.
"He's a great player. It's got to be a team effort [to stop him]. You're not going to completely take him out but I think you've just got to make things difficult for him."
Game 2 takes place in Denver in the early hours of Thursday morning (2am), live on Sky Sports Arena.
