Nuggets: Nikola Jokic vs. Pau Gasol
I don’t often use Nikola for the match up. He’s very consistent and generally better than his opponent. As mentioned, he is a match up nightmare for most teams.
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One of a very few exceptions comes in the form of Spurs big man Pau Gasol. The veteran Spaniard is still as smart as they come and watching him and the Joker match up is like a chess match.
Something not mentioned in all the fervor surrounding Jokic’ offensive performances is the work he’s put in on the defensive end.
He’s learning to use his size to alter shots in the paint but more importantly, his footwork has gotten really good. He’s smart and he leverages positional and fundamental strategy instead of relying on athleticism (a trademark, for good or bad of many of the young Centers in today’s league).
Offensively, there’s not much more praise we can heap on the now 23-year-old (Happy belated Birthday, Nikola!). He’s notched triple-doubles his last two outings including a record-setting 30 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists in the road win at Milwaukee. What is even crazier about that and many of his recent successes is that it appears we’ve only scratched the surface of his potential.
Jokic, it seems could put up any numbers he wants on any given night. Consummate pro that he is, though, his first concern is his team. That is leadership that can’t be manufactured.
Gasol on the other hand is the Hall-of-Fame bound veteran on the downside of a remarkable career. He is the bridge from Shaq style bruisers to the multi-tool, young Centers of today’s game (I think of Dirk as a power forward, Pau is a hybrid but his rings with the Lakers came with him in the middle).
Pau is crafty, I’d look for him to push Jokic into foul trouble early and get the Spurs to the line. It benefits San Antonio to slow the game down, particularly in Denver coming off of a long layoff. The Spurs should be gassed, early giving the Nuggets a decided first half advantage.
Next: Denver returns to action
The chess match should be interesting, whichever man is able to stamp his style onto the game may well determine the outcome. Here’s hoping Nikola Jokic can continue his streak and carry his team to a much-needed victory.