Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets opened up about his own emotions in the run-up to the NBA Finals versus the Miami Heat. Despite feeling “abnormal” before the game, Jokic said that he quickly got into a comfortable rhythm. His poise and performance on the court demonstrate his ability to thrive under the brightest of lights.
Nikola Jokic weighs in on feeling abnormal
For Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, the 2023 NBA Finals were a mix of excitement and apprehension. As Jokic spoke to media following their Game 1 victory over the Miami Heat, he revealed his pre-game feelings and how he felt before tip-off. Jokic admitted that he couldn’t wait to get started because everything else felt strange, especially the media day before the game.
However, as the game began, Jokic found his stride and felt at peace on the court.Jokic’s play mirrored his demeanour, as he recorded yet another playoff triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. He comfortably guided the Nuggets to a dominant victory and immediately put the Heat’s defence on notice. Despite his success, Jokic maintains his cool and knows the importance of staying focused.
In an interview with NBA TV, he stated that one win does not thrill him, despite the Heat’s propensity to outperform expectations.The noteworthy part is how Jokic’s performance unfolded despite his pre-game apprehension. If he can perform admirably while feeling strange, one can only imagine how much more dominant he will become as the series progresses.
Jokic cemented his place as one of the league’s elite players with his cool demeanour and great skills, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his upcoming exploits in the NBA Finals.
Is Jokic a good shooter?
Nikola Jokic is an exceptional shooter. His ability to shoot is an important component of his game that contributes to his success on the court. Jokic has shown outstanding shooting percentages from all around the court, demonstrating his versatility as a big man.
The five-time NBA All-Star, has been exceptionally efficient from the mid-range, shooting 52.6% from 16 feet to the three-point line during the last three seasons. This places him among the league’s greatest shooters, comparable to elite players like Kevin Durant. Jokic’s ability to shoot from this range helps him to extend the floor and create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.
The Serbian Professional has also demonstrated proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting over 36% from three-point range over the same time frame. This ability to hit long-range shots adds another dimension to his offensive approach and compels opposition defences to respect his shooting talent.
The 6’11” and 284 pounds athlete’s shooting ability also extends to his free-throw shooting, where he has consistently maintained a solid performance throughout his career. This is important since it allows him to convert free throws and contribute to his overall scoring output.
Overall, Jokic’s ability to shoot from mid-range and beyond the arc, combined with his passing talents and court vision, makes him a highly effective offensive player. His shooting ability is an important aspect in his success and helps to his ranking as one of the top players in the NBA.
