Match up to Watch: Nikola Jokic vs. Rudy Gobert
By Mathew Huff
Nikola Jokic will be matched up with Rudy Gobert in the game against Utah.
As the Nuggets come in off a hot two game win streak, Nikola Jokic will be up against one of his tougher tests of the season.
Nikola will be tasked with guarding the defensive star, Rudy Gobert, of the Utah Jazz. While Jokic is great, he has struggled with physical centers who are defensive minded. Gobert fits this bill perfectly and it will be up to the Joker to find a way to neutralize him on both ends of the floor.
If Jokic can take Rudy out of the game, it will free up the guards for Denver to drive into the paint and get easy, high percentage looks at the rim. One way Jokic can do this is stretching the floor forcing Gobert away from the basket.
His specialty is rim protection, so Denver either has to find a way to stretch his defense or make a high percentage of their jump shots. The Joker has been on a tear the last couple of games, so it will be interesting to see if he can continue this momentum as they return to the Pepsi Center.
Gobert has always been able to contain Jokic in their young careers, however, we may see Jokic finally have a signature game against the Utah star. There is a first time for everything and being at home will give an edge to Jokic as Denver is coming in riding high on two key wins.
The Nuggets were able to defeat the division rival Portland Trail Blazers and then defeat the defending champion Golden State Warriors the following night.
Next: Game Preview: Jazz at Nuggets
If the Nuggets can play like they did in these games, then Jokic will have a good chance against the very tough defensive minded, Rudy Gobert.