Denver Nuggets’ head coach, Michael Malone, recently highlighted Nikola Jokic’s often overlooked defensive prowess after a remarkable comeback victory against the Toronto Raptors. Despite Jokic being primarily recognized for his offensive skills, Malone emphasized the significant impact the Serbian center has on the defensive end of the court.
While critics may focus on Jokic’s lack of high block averages, Malone pointed out that those who truly understand basketball appreciate Jokic’s exceptional defensive capabilities. Malone commended Jokic’s exceptional hand skills, labeling him as one of the most underrated defenders in the entire NBA. Despite the superstar’s offensive dominance, Malone believes Jokic’s defensive contributions deserve more recognition.
During the Nuggets’ recent 125-119 home win against the Raptors, Jokic displayed a stellar performance, achieving a triple-double with 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. Notably, he also recorded six steals, supporting Malone’s assertion about Jokic’s impeccable timing and defensive prowess. Surprisingly, Jokic is leading the Nuggets not only in points, assists, and rebounds for the 2023-24 NBA regular season but also in steals, averaging 1.3 per game (tied with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope).
Despite Jokic’s prime years in the league and the attention he has garnered, there remains an aspect of his game that often goes unnoticed. Nevertheless, this oversight serves as a testament to Jokic’s greatness as an offensive force on the court.
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