Doubt cannot attack a person Denver Nuggets already Nikola Jokic on less occasions. The Raptors delved into them with conviction last night (125-110), providing even more argument for a narrative warning that the MVP team’s defense hasn’t held up long enough to consider him a solid contender in the ring. western leader be able to

And Jokic himself is clearly part of the problem, a reality faced by proponents of awarding. Joel Embiid Despite the fact that no one can influence the aggressive game in more ways than the Serbs.

A double MVP who will always find ways to amass stats, his perks and A Unique Look at Basketball He finished with 28 points (10/13 on field goals), 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Efficient and clear-eyed as always, despite the tough and varied defensive options he always presents. Nick Nurse. Personalize the old Serbian proverb, the defense will chase him, but he will always be faster. his intelligence.

But the grim and painful reality for the Nuggets is that their defense is crumbling.Candidate to deliver 49 points in the quarter -First (49-20)-, the first change is to move away from the competition. So Denver is having its worst moment in a year and a half and is currently on a four-game losing streak. No negative inertia occurred during this period.

Dear Colorado franchise coach, Michael Malone After the match, he “blushed” in disgust and was even seen to be very tough on his players. And that means there are already a lot of people during the week. San Antonio Spurs, Third worst team in the entire NBA.

“We were the worst defense in the NBA in the last four games.”

Michael MaloneDenver Nuggets coach

“For the last four games, we’ve had the worst defense in the NBA. How can you get 49 points in the first quarter, where you’re from? Maybe it will sound more to the players.We are in ‘cold mode’, It can’t be,” Malone lamented at a press conference, blaming the students. “I’m not playing physical enough.”

Unsurprisingly, the first thing the Nuggets coach learned was defense limit Despite Jokic’s constant improvement in this regard as well, he still needs extra effort from others in his assists and rotations to prevent his opponents from finding free shots. The Raptors, who know how to hit giants, attacked the Serbs again and again. pick and rollattack him when substituted in a block, find Freeman when defending deep in a direct block to attract and help his teammates, or simply “drop” to take advantage of the space left in that coverage. and shoot.

He shined in every scenario Fred VanVleet Absolutely devastating, going 8/12 on triples and 13/22 on field goals. 36 points, Despite Siakam’s cautious play – 12 goals on shots on 6/16 – OG AnunobyThe Englishman is a terrific defensive and offensive player, posting sensational 10/14 field goals and 4/8 triples.

Despite his usual numbers at the end, Jokic had a difficult start, with just 10 points and 3 assists in the first half. The Raptors knew it was important to protect the Serbs. How to protect 5 at the same time, him, and any of the other four who can be cut to receive millipas.Anunoby Overlaying Him – who left another demo that rises to the point of being named best defender-Vulcan tried to receive where he can’t defend 100% with post or paint, if he receives a 2×1 he will always find a partner if he can’t win.

The only way to stop him in that situation is to keep him from receiving the ball in that area, and that’s what Nurse did. Are expected To avoid their reception, as they did to the cut player. But Jokic eventually found a way to see the hoops. He insisted on painting, but received it after exiting the block instead of static. This was a predictable context.

In the second half, the MVP scored and assisted. This, along with greater energy when the Nuggets rotated and ran an aid, allowed them to discuss a 98-95 victory over the Raptors with 10 minutes remaining. Bruce Brown He provided defensive balance and was key to protecting the Vulcan center through the block, and was the Denver player who finished with the best plus-minus at -3 in a clash that ended with all the Nuggets. negatively.

Contribution on both sides of the track Aaron Gordon (18 points) and Michael Porter Jr. (23) was also helpful, Jamal Murray He was utterly underwhelmed in an unfriendly visit to his home country and deadly in shooting – finishing with 14 points on 5/18 shots, hesitating to manage, and up to 5 turnovers on 9 assists.

But the Raptors continued with the same plan to win calmly, delving into Jokic’s defensive weaknesses, who finished the game with their worst ERA of 133 since November. lots of homework to do If he wants to honor another possible MVP for his hallowed “giant” in the playoffs.