Nikola Jokić’s incredible passing skills were on full display during Game 4 against the Timberwolves. With four defenders collapsing on him, Jokic made a stunning pass to Aaron Gordon for a dunk. His ability to deceive defenders impressed even Jamal Crawford, who compared him to Tom Brady. Jokic’s passing created numerous opportunities for his teammates, resulting in 17 combined assists from Murray, Gordon, and Caldwell-Pope.
In the fourth quarter, Jokic took control and attempted 10 shots, forcing the Timberwolves to double-team him. This was a stark contrast to Game 2 and Game 3, where he took only one and four shots, respectively. Jokić’s basketball IQ and ability to exploit opponents’ mistakes make him a formidable player.
Jokić’s brilliance was further highlighted by his ranking as the best player in the NBA according to various sources such as The Ringer, CBS Sports, and HoopsHype. ESPN ranked him second but acknowledged the slim margin separating him from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
We will not ever see another player like Jokic. He is truly one of a kind man.#Jokic pic.twitter.com/3IHesotJNQ
— DiplomaticEcoStrategist🍁 (@UlefossImir) May 13, 2024
Offensive and Defensive abilities
Jokić’s offensive dominance is evident through his scoring ability, passing skills, and versatility on the court. He has proven to be a threat both inside the paint and from the perimeter, as well as an exceptional passer. Although he has defensive weaknesses, Jokic’s offensive prowess and impact on the game are unparalleled. His size and skill make him a formidable post presence and an effective pick-and-roll threat. Jokić’s passing ability is unmatched, often outpacing even his own teammates with his quick decision-making and precision. He excels at finding open teammates and elevates the play of those around him.
Defensively, Jokić has limitations, lacking shot-blocking abilities and struggling against perimeter players in switches. However, his size and length remains a significant presence in the paint making it difficult for opponents to score inside. Jokić excels at defensive rebounding, helping limit second-chance opportunities for opposing teams. His career Player Efficiency Rating is the second-best of all time, trailing only Michael Jordan.
Fans reacted as follows:
He’s done this all season. He’s too smart for the game. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the league make a change so this doesn’t happen, either with a delay of game penalty or stopping the clock.
— El Guero Ranchero (@elgueroranchero) May 13, 2024
Smart player. Weird how the league gives so much leeway on this issue but until they change the rules he should keep doing it. Most NBA teams are pretty bad at clock management; surely at some point more teams will make a better effort to operate like this.
— DamasceneMoment (@DamasceneMoment) May 13, 2024
Joker has mastered the game of basketball. He’s a fucking genius
— MK Wagner (@weaponx25x) May 13, 2024
He is European. He almost certainly played and watched football (soccer) at a very early age. This is classic behavior towards the end of a game.
— NKabcenell (@Nkabcen) May 13, 2024
This is such a stupid rule, the clock should stop after a made basket and only start after it’s been in-bounded
— gs723 (@gs723) May 13, 2024
This is gamesmanship. His basketball IQ is through the roof. He does little things like this all of the time and has been for years.
Had the wolves not pressed, he would’ve bled more time.
— Kamoshin (@KamoshinAD) May 13, 2024
Jokić is the smartest basketball player currently in the NBA. However, if you counted the times he throws it in quickly in the first half, I’m sure it would balance out; equal quick and stalls.
— Tim James (@timoptix) May 13, 2024
It’s called strategizing within the rules of the game. I highly doubt this changed the outcome yesterday. Every team can do this. And I see many take advantage.
— Str8Shooter123 (@str8shooter123) May 13, 2024
He does so many things on the margins which is why I think he’s a genius. Even down to how he uses outlet passes. He controls the entire game in very subtle ways
— free (@troytrilla) May 13, 2024
Conclusion
With Jokic on the court, the Nuggets’ offensive rating soars, emphasizing his impact on the team’s success. In the playoffs, Jokić has consistently performed at a high level, with impressive scoring, rebounding, and assist averages that have no equal in NBA history. He led the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 2020 and their first-ever championship in 2023. Jokić’s all-around skills and postseason success solidify his position as the best player in the league.
