Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokić recorded 44 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in Denver’s 128-123 loss to Sacramento. Despite giving his all, he couldn’t lead his team to a 13th victory this season, though the team remains at the top of the Western Conference.
The loss to the Kings stings, especially considering it ended a dominant seven-game winning streak against the California-based team. This was largely thanks to Russell Westbrook, former Nuggets player, who scored crucial points at the end that sealed the fate of Jokić’s squad. Jokić commented on the game in a media interview:
“A tough game for us, the first half was full of missed shots and turnovers—especially mine. We were slow, always a step behind, and they played very well, especially in the third quarter. We weren’t light on our feet, and they attacked us,” Jokić said, adding:
“I gave everything I had to win the game. We had a chance, but they made very important baskets, which is why they won.”
As always, the Serbian center remained modest about both his and the team’s performance. He is aware that such a strong individual performance means little on its own, only increasing the target on their backs and potentially creating a false perception of the team’s real abilities:
“I think a 12-4 record at the start of the season doesn’t reflect the real picture of our team. I think we’re not that good and we need to be much better if we want to achieve results. We play better and look better, but it has to be consistent. We need to make smart mistakes that come from our system, not meaningless attacks. Rebounds, confident shots, good positioning—we can and must be better.”
He also touched on the national team, specifically its positive effect on his physical condition:
“Even before me, they said playing for the national team is great preparation for the season. It puts you in competitive shape, so it probably helped. And when we won the title, I spent the summer with the national team, so I think it helps,” Jokić noted.
He was also asked to comment on summer signing Kenyon Johnson:
“I think expectations may have been too high for him. People thought he would average 30 points per game, but I definitely think he’s playing well. Missed shots are part of a shooter’s job, but he’s not just a shooter. He doesn’t make many mistakes, sacrifices a lot, and contributes to our energy. He’s good and he will be good,” said the Serbian center.
Finally, he spoke about working with the newcomer and the absence of key teammates:
“We need more time to gel, but I’m starting to understand what he likes, and he’s finding ways to get me the ball. We missed Brown and Gordon, both are important defensive players for us. They help us get to the basket, especially when we play smaller lineups,” emphasized the three-time NBA MVP.
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Source: Euronews, Foto: Printscreen X