Match up to Watch: Aaron Gordon vs Nikola Jokic
By Mathew Huff
Nikola Jokic will battle Aaron Gordon as the Denver Nuggets battle the Orlando Magic.
The Denver Nuggets have been doing a solid job defending home court in this current home stand and much of this success is thanks to Nikola Jokic, their rising young star. He will be in a battle with another intriguing young big man in Aaron Gordon, the premier high flying dunker the Orlando Magic possess.
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Nikola Jokic has been doing a solid job as of late including a career high 41 point performance against the Brooklyn Nets and a solid double double where he recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds in Denver’s most recent win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Aaron Gordon has also been having a solid season for the red hot Orlando Magic who boast an 8-4 record to start the new year. Gordon has stringed together some solid performances as of late such as a 21 point performance where he hit 4 three pointers in the win over the New York Knicks.
Yes, Gordon is a power forward and Jokic is a center, but it will not surprise me if these two players get into a shootout against each other. Gordon is a massively improved perimeter shooter this season which has expanded his game and skill set and has stretched opponents defenses.
Jokic on the other hand has always been a terrific offensive force, but has shown improvements in his defensive game this season. Gordon will have a tough test as the defensive anchor, Paul Millsap, will be guarding him through the duration of the game. Nikola Vucevic will match up against Jokic, so Jokic will have to utilize his shooting ability to draw him away from the rim and stretch the Orlando defense.
Next: Game Preview: Magic at Nuggets
Jokic going up against Gordon will be the match up to watch in this game featuring two up and coming teams.