Jamal and the Joker
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic have been absolutely phenomenal in the playoffs.
Murray has averaged 27.1 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting an absurd 49.1% from 3-point range in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Jokic has averaged 25.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 51.5% from the field and 44.0% from behind-the-arc.
These stat lines aren’t just good. They’re legendary.
I mean, what isn’t legendary about scoring 40 points in an elimination game against two of the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA? What isn’t legendary about recording 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists to force a second consecutive Game 7? It’s obvious at this point that Jokic and Murray have the potential to be the NBA’s most forceful 1-2 punch for years to come.
Best clutch True Shooting percentages in the playoffs (minimum 10 FGA):
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 17, 2020
1. Nikola Jokic 89.3% (7-10 FG's, 3-4 3FG's)
2. Jamal Murray 80.2% (14-22 FG's, 7-9 3FG's)
Absurd
AD will be tasked with guarding Jokic at various points throughout the series. Unfortunately, Davis (the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year) has had tremendous success defending Jokic because of his size, length, strength, and speed.
In four meetings with the Lakers during the regular season, Jokic has been held 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. NBA.com’s’ matchup data shows that AD held the Joker to 3-10 shooting from the field when he was the primary defender.
However, with Jokic’s patient playstyle, he can catch anyone off guard, even the best interior defenders in the NBA.
When Jokic receives the ball in post-up situations, he has the option of passing to a cutter, hitting an open man on the perimeter, punishing a smaller defender to get an easy bucket, or spotting-up against his current defender. Jokic takes his time to glance around and seek what his best available option is. As a result, the Nuggets usually finish their possession with a bucket the longer Jokic maintains the ball. Jokic himself is more efficient when he has the ball longer, as he has shot 67.7% from the field when he holds the ball for at least six seconds.
That said, Denver is most deadly when Jokic and Murray run the pick and roll. With Jokic setting a screen on Murray’s defender, Jamal receives extra space to create offense in the middle of the lane, where he’s become quite adept at hitting floaters and mid-range jumpers.
Jokic usually “pops” on pick and roll situations, forcing would-be rim-protectors to make a choice of guarding him outside or letting him take an open attempt. When his man closes out on him behind-the-arc, he tends to drive to the rim for either a finish or kick-out to an open shooter.
This will be key for Denver’s offense.