Why the Nuggets get BETTER in big moments
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- čas přidán 10. 03. 2024
- Why are the Nuggets so good in the clutch? Why do they consistently outperform their point differential? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores Nikola Jokic's crunch time dominance, Jamal Murray's 2-man game, the synergy with Aaron Gordon, and how the Nuggets defense is built for playoff basketball.
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9:54 RIP toriyama 🥲🥲 your impact is unbelievable
Using someone’s death to get likes on a completely unrelated video. Have some shame
He said super saiyan, it was related in that moment
@@chrilpyusing someone’s appreciation in a nod to his posthumous cultural influence to virtue signal. Have some shame
@@chrilpyhe was just showing genuine Appreciation towards someone Who influenced him and many more, if you see it tbst way YOU have a problem all due respect
Yeah Rip Toriyama, but kinda weird and bit of a reach to comment on this video
Idk how people claim jokic is somehow boring to watch. He surrounds himself with other players that are entertaining and elevates them to a whole new level
Just because he looks bored doesn't mean he is boring
His personality for me is offputting as he acts like he doesn't care about basketball and i'm used to guys being killers in the gym and on the court.
@@4evahodlingdoge226 yeah, cuz he is not a poser
@@4evahodlingdoge226Jokic is a winner, checkout his appearance on MPJ’s podcast. He just doesn’t like dealing with the media
I find it’s the casual fan who’s will be critical of joker. If you really love the game, you really spend time watching the game, you’ll be amazed with the things he does with the basketball.
Dude Gordon have the best job in the world, dunk Jokic's passes
I want Bruce back, him and AG looked like they had so much fun
@@Tom-hx5khBruce trajectory is throwing me off man. He showed out big time in Brooklyn. Was a major piece in the Nuggets run. Signs for a bag in Indy and immediately gets flipped (he was heavily underproducing tbf). I can’t figure out everything on how he changed from a strong role to mentor
But he also have perfect talent to do that there is not a lot of guys can do what he does he is an amazing player.
And he really know how to get those passes even in tight situation
@@clouddueitt6577he was elevated by great talents still a good player but on lesser rosters it shows
Being a Denver fan is so weird. During the Melo/AI years, we had to be up by 20 in the 2nd half for me to think we had a chance at the win. Now, on the rare occasions we're down by 20, it's like, "Nah, Jok's got this, we're still okay." What a team.
Nuggets fan since I was kid. Everything feels weird now that we're REALLY good and playing truly beautiful basketball. Time travel to 1999 and tell a Denver resident that the Broncos REALLY suck and the Nuggets are REALLY good. You'd get burnt at the stake.
just like what is happening now vs Raptors.
Happened again.
@@matthewd6306 Correct. This is uncharted territory. Down 16 in the 3rd, I wasn't worried, I had positive thoughts. It's a strange feeling to have faith, I don't understand it as a nuggets fan.
@@SirRichardHardenThicke Or a Rockies fan, or a Broncos fan, or...
The Nuggets are just perfectly built around Jokic. It's truly mesmerizing to see how the nuggets developed through the years to become this monster.
Edit: feels like some are misunderstanding my comment. Jokic is a basketball god and he has the perfect supporting cast for his skillset. That's it. Not saying Jokic is only good cos of his team.
No...Jokic was on pace to win 60 games per 100 possesions with Campazoo and Rivers as his starting backcourt...the only reason why they were 6th seed that year was non Jokic minutes they were the on pace to win 12 games...LOL...
So Jokic is ALL TIME GREAT top 5 EVER, thats the thing..
it's crazy how they really didn't have to develop all that much, they're just finally healthy and now have all the time in the world to steadily improve
Nah, can't tell me Gordon is in the same world as AD as a defender and lob threat, and then you have MPJ who not only makes the max, but even has a supermax incentive should a miracle happen and he ever qualifies.
Also mind you, their playoff rotation is razor thin, so ANY injury gets filled in by a glorified G-Leaguer. No, this is a bad team without Jokic, make no mistake about it. He has no co-stars and there are better players of the same type at every position elsewhere in the League.
@@localneo-graphic4647 No one can be better than jokic to be honest. No im not glorified jokic, but he comes with full package offensive. And his team, always there to make it happen. So by the system, it makes jokic the picture but the whole team actually the one who make it happen.
It just perfect even tho flawed. Idk what to say.
@@localneo-graphic4647 he can't qualify anymore, what are you talking about?
That Jokic-Gordon connection is becoming legendary
Its becoming the new Stockton -Malone pick and roll.
@@1234jokerboysince they're the defending champs it's most likely solidified that if ur team can guard either or preferably both bigs in the paint and post, u will have to be as good as them offensively too. Air Gordon should change his name to the Barber cos he cuts so smoothly lol
@@1234jokerboyNot really a good comparison, Jokic and Jamal run the pick and roll, Gordon is usually in the dunkers spot
Jokic has a connection with basically anyone. He knows everyone's strengths and weaknesses and is always decisive. He dissects and dominates the game and remains clutch on a level not seen since possibly Larry Bird.
And it's the secondary weapon lol it's what is waiting for you when you overplay the Murray-Jokic two man game. Denver has my favorite offense ever. I enjoy it even more than Curry's Warriors or Nash's Suns. Something about seeing a 7 footer dish out these passes just takes it to the next level. And I am sucker for post players with great footwork. Add the sweetest touch from a big ever, the Gordon dunks and the Murray chaos off the dribble and it's perfection.
When magic drafted AG they were lost on how to use his athleticism along with his other skillset. Now with denver he found the best place in the court near the dunker spot roaming for jokic. Literally match made in basketball heaven
I think aside from Joker and Jamal, AG is also irreplaceable when it comes to Nuggets basketball
the magic wanted him to be the number 1 option
Aces in places
The stars are aligned
Gordon is also their best defender. His Addition made Denver the best Team in the league.
Also getting KCP and drafting MPJ was very clever
#1 Clutch offense and #1 Clutch defense this season. Need I say more? They're this era's San Antonio Spurs and people are just gonna have to get used to that.
With that type of domination they're this generation's Bulls.
@@theSafetyCarnugs won 1 ring spurs won 3 in a decade
win 3 in a decade first
@@FabDino the nuggets have just started being good in the last 2/3 years give it some time, if they stay healthy and with the same core they got that dynasty potential
@@theSafetyCar bro they have 1 ring calm tf down. saying they the bulls is madness
Their offence is so well defined with Jokic,Murray,Gordon,KCP and MPJ on the floor.Also it helps that they might have the best offensive player in the history of basketball.
Only lebron has a better argument over jokic which is crazy to say.
@@HoopEnthusiasts I think MJ, Lebron, Magic and Steph have arguments along with Jokic to be the best offensive players of all time especially relative to their era. Jokic to me is the most complete offensive player.
PS: 3-4 years from now Luka might join this list.
That's not a bad starting 5😊@@akshyadulal1455
@@HoopEnthusiastssteph
@@akshyadulal1455I think lebron being such an elite slasher helps more with his writing offensive game. Can make a many lineups work perfectly. If j put 2018 lebron on this nugggets team instead of jokic they will be just as good.
Jokic is so bad ass to watch orchestrating the offense like a general in the middle of a battle he is knee deep in.
Great analysis. Jokic really complimented Boston’s intelligence as a team after Denver swept them. Boston + HCA versus Denver will be a great series to test the future 3x MVP’s mettle. I think many believe Boston is a foregone conclusion in the East. The west is the tougher conference, and while it’s possible SGA or ANT will emerge as MJ-level playoff performers, especially given KAT will be coming back from a meniscus surgery, I think it’s more likely Denver will win in the West for the reasons you’ve given. Denver also seems to have an easier late season schedule than OKC. That being said, they have two more games vs MN, the outcome of which will be a big factor in determining the fate of both teams. In terms of the playoffs, over a 7-game series, the Jokic-led Nuggets will likely do a better job of figuring out and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses rather than vice versa.
Let's not forget that this is the same team that bounced back from not 1, but 2 3-1 deficits in the bubble! The Nuggets are just a very composed team and I love it!
@@thetruthofChristwillneverbesto use some punctuation dude
Not the same team lol
well the only players still on the team from 19-20 are Jokic, Murray and MPJ (plus Vlatko Čančar lol) but still, having that Jokic-Murray pairing with a much more refined MPJ at the core of this team, then adding all the perfect pieces they have, it’s a damn near unstoppable team for sure
That's a totally different team and Jokic is way more dominant since then.
His passing skills have just skyrocketed and his ability to play efficient basketball is at a level not seen since Wilt Chamberlain was in the league.
He is the modern day darling for advanced analytical basketball and is a true hooper like Larry Bird once was.
Defensively bubble Nuggets was better with Jeremy Grant, Harris and Craig. But offensively they are way better now surrounded by great shooters. You need Dwight Howard the kind of guy to defend Jokic. You have to defend Jokic to win against nuggets or just hope that Murray gets injured in playoffs
I love Air Gordon on that team. He gives them so many extra chances with the offensive rebounds, and can help make misses into dunks. It must be amazing having such a man in the paint giving you a much bigger margin for error, when not hitting your shots.
He's technically the 2nd garbage man for putbacks around the rim after Jokic. Not many teams have that kind of front court combination where both guys are extremely great cleaning up at the rim on boards and putbacks.
As far as the ideal big to pair with Jokic goes, you'll want a fully switchable defender who can cut and catch lobs and not embarass himself shooting. With those skillsets in mind I think that Anthony Davis, Giannis, and Wemby are the only three players I might pick over Gordon in the entire league and they are all generational talents way out of any hypothetical price range. Ever since the dunk contest I knew this boi just needed the lobmaster to become the star he is.
Plus he gives Denver the Uber athletic big on defense they need.
Yeah, A-A-Ron should have got the win in at least one of those dunk contests, but these days he’s dunking for rings, not 50’s.
@@Authorman2 not disagreeing, but AG seems to find those lobs/cuts unlike anybody else, he sees them coming. There were moments he was sitting under the basket, open, waiting for a pass for 5+ seconds
If you’ve watched this team since before they won the chip we’ve had so many classic games so many classic wins and so much momentum that was building up to the point of the championship win. I hope they make a 30 for 30 on this team😂
Personally I think anyone who paid attention to the Nugget’s play last year should’ve known they were AT LEAST going to make the Finals. Last year they were clearly better than every other team. This year they’re clearly better than every other team. OKC is looking scary though for sure. Logic is telling me they won’t make a run but my gut is telling me that if their game translates into the playoffs they at least make the WCF if they don’t face the nuggets beforehand.
@@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449 to me okc still has to learn how to win in the playoffs it’s a different game and the nuggets were battle tested for years. I like their potential but they are definitely going to have to show me. This year I think the biggest threat in the west to the nuggets will most likely be the suns if we play them I like all other matchups.
@@imnotblindbutiloveblindfol8449 OKC is scary but the Nuggets are *playoff scary* and proven. The size and physicality is a difference besides the offense with built in counters. But when games get bogged down from bad shooting, the Nuggets have the rebounding and above the rim players to fight for possessions.
After nuggets won the title Jok said, first you need to be bad, then you need to be good but fail and then you become great..
This is the most exciting team in basketball. Jokic is the first point center in NBA history.
I never was a Denver fan... But since the bubble I'm watching every single game, Denver basketball is different, i always say they deserve their own top ten every game
Haters hate Jokic for what he doesn't do. He doesn't taunt, doesn't celebrate regular 3's, doesn't stare down opponents after beating them 1 on 1, doesn't pound his chest and stomp around like some kind of ape. He is a mentally secure superstar, the antithesis of the modern NBA, and a lot of people don't like it.
Don't underestimate Jokic's ability to keep cool and levelheaded during deciding moments. "Don't get too high or too low", his mother always told him. His teammates often mention how this helps them avoid getting stressed in key moments and keep their confidence. In this way, Jokic is an amazing leader for the Nuggets and it's jet another thing that he does that makes his teammates better.
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
Aaron Gordon is such a perfect fit for the nuggets
I love watching Nuggets Team Basketball. Hope they win it again.
guys like AG and KCP should be getting All Defense recognition, but they don't get that kind of individual attention.
Hopefully next year they will get some recognition. Those are 2 of the toughest defenders in the leauge. Those guys are always guarding the other teams best 2 players.
@@Gdfsandoz Murray is also an underrated defender. Nuggets are the closest thing I've seen since Spurs style team basketball, or possibly better.
@@kanajingly8957 yes almost everyone on this team is a willing passer, even MPJ at times lol. They don't rely on 3s too much, but they have some of the most efficient shooters, and they have a defensive anchor in Gordon
@Gdfsandoz ...
KCP came into the league as a top defender... Playing for the Pistons, in what seems like a million years ago, is where he made his bones.
i say this about every nuggets video you do (nuggies fan), but they are one of the most experienced young teams I have ever seen, they were getting into game 7 battles with dame/CJ, 3-1ing the clippers with PG/klaw and don-led jazz, etc. It's definitely given them that battle-tested experience that so many of the current young teams need (grizzlies, thunder, twolves).
Jokic and Jamal's first 4 playoff series went 7 games. 3-1 in them too.
I don't know if I'd call this a young team. All starters are over 25 and solidly in their primes except for MPJ, who turns 26 later this year.
They're relatively young for a team with the extensive experience that they've had, is the point. All starters are under 30 except for KCP
This video aged extremely well, oh man. Nuggets come back from being down 22 points to beat Toronto on the back of Joker and Murray's clutch scoring.
Everything changed after that Timberwolves game at the end of the 2018 season. It’s crazy to see how much Jokic and Murray have developed along with MPJ. I’ve never been so happier to be a Nuggets fan! Thank you basketball gods 😢
Jokic deserved to win "Clutch Player of the year" the last 2 seasons. Like how the hell he haven't won it yet being this damn clutch and dominate during those moments
Also Jamal Murray is an extremely underrated mismatch defender. The amount of times he take a matchup against a bigger man. Forwards,Wings,Power Forwards,Centers and he don't allow them to push him around and do whatever. He even make them miss,pass out or strip the ball off
He got strong before the 2020 bubble and hasn't let up, he bullies players smaller than him in the post and holds back players bigger than him with his strength, it's extremely underrated
@@soooslaaal8204I totally Agree. Jamal Murray can guard practically any position effectively. And He’s 100% Fearless of the assignment. No matter how much bigger or stronger the big men are.
Jamal's got a bit of Kobe and AI in him, he's fearless. It's an absolute travesty that he hasn't even had an All-Star selection.
Don't think your commentary, time spent, and editing goes unnoticed or unappreciated. You're a fucking animal, man.
Keep it up.
Really underrated part of the nuggets team is MPJ people shit on him for not passing but dude is a complete player now can score off the dribble and isn't a liability on defense anymore
Also he's been durable, only missed 1 game so far
I know it's just a meme and sometimes MPJ actually has those moments where we scream for the extra pass but i always just tell myself that we paid him to shoot the ball so he's gonna shoot the ball no matter what. And let me tell you something, if he shoots the ball like he does during the last few games? Fck passing MPJ ,keep shooting it!
Some people also forget that MPJ is a projected top pick in the draft if not for his injuries.
I am impressed by how he plays when he doesn't have the ball. Compare to other offense only players.
Yup, he has come a long way. MPJ has improved on every facet of his game from taking better care of his body and staying healthy to on court stuff like reading the game better and knowing where to find his spots on the floor. The game just slows down for him. So it goes from first having the durability to play because the best ability is availability. And each year, he learns more about his game and becomes a better and more well-rounded player.
the AG pickup elevated both jokic and murray's play to the next level. such a smart move by the front office and excellent work by the team to integrate his role so perfectly. it will go down as an all-time great pickup and i can see AG's jersey being retired alongside those 2 if nuggets win a handful of chips.
honestly all 5 starters could get retired with another chip or 2
@@Svid18 honestly you're not wrong and i'm so sad i missed that. you KNOW i'm hanging around outside of ball this year in the finals to try to catch year 2 magic
@filipmartinovic4594 I agree all 5 of them deserve it retired. Especially if this same squad pulls off one more.
AG didnt win the slam dunk contest for a reason.
Joker is a coaches wet dream. Run whatever play and he will get it done
Lol could have said "a coach's dream" but nah, apparently coaches are aroused and nutting over coachable players.
Jokic explained perfectly why the Nuggets are as good as they are, after winning the championsip last year he said:
"You need to be bad, then you need to be good. Then when you're good you need to fail and then you figure it out. Experience isnt what happens to you, its what you do when it happens to you."
now look at every Boston clutch shot attempt- they're all threes. Sometimes they make them, but the Nuggets have the advantage of creating good looks that are lower variance.
I think the Celtics are too good to be shooting so many threes. It's settling. When the 3s are falling, you can blow teams out, and that's what we're seeing with the Cs. But when they don't fall, then you can lose games you should win.
I think I first heard it in Bill Simmon's Book of Basketball. Stronger teams should shoot less 3s, while weaker teams should shoot more 3s, because of variance. The stronger team doesn't want variance, because they are favored. The weaker team wants variance, to change their chances and maybe steal a win.
@@shorewall While what you're saying makes sense, I think the perspective on 3s changed a little bit over the past 15 years. Especially since Curry and the Warriors came around.
edit: That said, looking at Curry and the Warriors this season - the best results for them came when they stopped forcing threes and started cutting and fighting in the paint, because other than Curry, their shooters were really struggling. Since they learned to cut and create better shots, their 3 point shooting got better too.
@@TrykusMykus Nah I don't think so. On the surface and the regular season it looks like it changed. But in the playoffs very few teams have legit moving shooter threats like a Curry or Jokic. Or when Klay, Murray, MPJ are on fire. So for the other teams they still have to play into variance and when those jumpers aren't going in, they have to be able to play and win mucky basketball games. The Celtics problem in the playoffs last year under Mazzulla (and to some degree under Udoka in the playoffs) were trying to shoot 3-ball their way out of stalled offense situations. When what got them out of key situations were Tatum picking his match ups to get at the rim. Along with other Celtic players doing the same thing.
Yep. Tatum missing open 3's at the end of games as usual, and not driving to the rim because he's a poor finisher, and still not learning how to use his left hand.
@@TrykusMykusthe 2 years the warriors won without KD, their defense was ranked higher than their offense. I think thats where their consistency comes from.
Also steph curry has broken 3 point shooting. Unlike 99.9999% of players in nba history its not a high variance shot for him.
My heart will always belong to the og splash brothers squads before KD, but man, its such a pleasure to watch denver play. Other than the Dubs, Den is the only team who i make it a point to watch every single games highlight reel.
Im a lifelong Denver fan. I finally got league pass this year to appreciate greatness 82 + times per year
Denver are the perfect amalgamation of Spurs and GS.
Throw in the 99-'05 Kings and Nash 7Seconds or less (a nod to Nash-Dirk-Finley) and these are the 5 teams I've my most enjoyed watching the past 25yrs.
Ye the og moving screen/underpay superstars splash brothers squads were something else
9:53 Dragonball Z reference after Akira Toriyama's death? Coincidence? Either way, W
I have to think that's intentional cause Toriyama's death is all over the internet. There's even national days of mourning in multiple countries. It's crazy the impact the man had on people. Even Ben must have heard all this.
@@GlassOnion23Ben also inserted a Naruto reference, so I think he watches anime.
That core 4 of Jokic/murray/gordon/mpj might be one of the most synergistic cores in league history
Truth. Obscurred by their collective lack of flash. But evident to those with a basketball eye.
@@frig1 murray is a flashy scorer mpj has one of the purest jumpshots this side of Klay, AG is one of the best in game dunkers ever, and if you find jokic boring you just dont know ball. bad take
You really missed my take. I fully agreed with you and thought the rest of the basketball world is behind becasue this is not a team of iso, ankle breaking one on one players. It does not look like Steph. It does not look like Gianis. It does not look like a super team full of HOF.
I forgive your take on my take.@@lionheartz1337
You can't forget kcp he is the teams best defender. An all time starting 5
Don't forget KCP. He is a lock down defensive player and hits 3's like clockwork.
Jokic is probably the most entertaining player on the NBA right now. His highlights are unconventional, he doesn’t dunk or dribble like other elite players but his style is so unique and inspiring to watch. He elevates every player on his team and that means the other team must play better s as well!
im so glad i picked up watching the nuggets during the pandemic. The broncos made me sad to be a fan of anything so to witness something so special in denver again means so much. feels like a great show where it's at its highest peak
They just play all around team basketball. Great players, but more important great team players. Not big sauces, just live reads. Beautiful to watch, simple and elegant, still extraordinary.
It’s fun to hear you talk about the Jokic-AG mind meld. I remember during your Sub-All-Stars podcast with Cody you struggled to rate Gordon because of the question of “where would he be without Jokic?” But the immediate thought that jumped into my head was “that’s a silly question, it’s like asking how good would a wide receiver be without his quarterback?” And I do mean wide receiver-Gordon has some of the most impressive catches of any player I’ve seen in this league (a weird skill you could maybe think of making a video about).
Sure, Gordon can’t thrive without Jokic, but his pairing with the Joker seems to me to just show off how scalable his offensive talents are and how much value he can add to good teams. And isn’t that a key to how you like to evaluate player greatness?
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
Something I feel like doesn't get enough love on this squad is how BIG Murray plays as a PG.
He can switch off and hold his own until help defense arrives, and I LOVE watching him take opponent PGs to the block and abusing them
Jokić is a Coach-Player and probably best we saw ever in basketball.
Really remarkable era to live in.
Watching Jokic is like watching a world class musician play a song they hate. He’s the best at it. And he hates it. It’s so, uninspiring while still being wildly technically impressive.
My favorite team ever, because they really play as a team. One of the most cohesive NBA units I’ve ever seen. Lets go NUGS ⚒️⚒️
Being a nuggets fan has never been better, man. From watching my favorite player, Nene, leave my favorite team to watching the nuggets shift to Jokic being a starter on the first Jokmas, even being the one and only team to beat both the 72-10 bulls AND 73-9 warriors, it's all built up to this.
I watch this team night in and night out and those stats about how they perform in the clutch, particularly the way Jokic goes god mode in the clutch is just scrambling my brain
Who's here after 20 points comeback by Nuggets in game 2 against Lakers
Jokic is a true center with Magics passing that's how the game has evolved
Jokic is the only guy who didn't have a flashy highlights but when you saw him playing whole game. He is just amazing to watch. It's like dude whenever he is on the court. It's an auto score.
I think this is what happens when you keep yo young core in tact. So much chemistry in place and they’ve developed that while developin their game as individuals. League take notes
Yes and no - I think you have to have a front office and leadership that identifies and nurtures the _right_ people to develop this level of chemistry.
For example, Coach Malone is fierce about earning your spot and playing time on the team. The guys who show they have the heart, humility, and work ethic are the ones he will patiently build up their highs and lows (like Peyton Watson and Christian Braun).
Sadly, even super talented prospects like Bones and Bol Bol who don’t respect the process and team ethos like that, get swiftly cut from the team.
It’s gotta be the right guys on the team and then the right leaders to help develop them.
@@jesstiss222 Yep, I think mindset and coachability is the open secret to winning basketball. Look at Wemby, look at the Thunder, and compare them to others who had the talent on their level, but did nothing with it.
When talking about the 2014 Spurs, they said they wanted players who had gotten over themselves. And as Bill Simmons said in his Book of Basketball, the Secret of Basketball is that it is not about Basketball.
Gordon is a simple man. He sees Jokic or Murray make a move, he runs towards the basket and jumps
Jokic is basically drawing up the play as they get into their half court offense while he’s positioning teammates around he’s already ran that play in his head it’s just a matter of letting it play out now.
9:43 you can hear him audibly laugh at how big Jokic's scoring jump is in the clutch... which is fair, what else can you even do 😅
I literally did a villain ass laugh, even as a jokic fan i wasnt expecting that much
The power of a group of players who have been playing together for a while now and execute together at very high efficiency. No hero ball, just ethical basketball.
Their system is based on counters not iso mismatches. That’s why they r so good. Other teams change their offense during clutch moments. The Nuggets don’t. They double down on what they have been doing all game.
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
One thing that I think you failed to mention is how smart AG is. Apparently ever since his Magic days, he was always a heady passer. And that intelligence shows in how he positions himself on offense near the basket. It's like having a basketball savant who's also extremely athletic receiving those passes.
This Nuggets team can probably get several chips, and I like how you alluded to that at the end of the video because I really think it can happen.
After losing to the Warriors in the 2022 season and watching Jokic put up godlike numbers trying to 1v5 Gordon told the media that his goal for the off season was to increase his bbiq so that he could capitalize on Jokic's ability to read the game. It was obvious to anyone who watched the Nuggets that when he came back in 2023 he had really leveled up in that regard and since then the Nuggets have been unstoppable. As awful as the time that Jamal and MPJ spent out was, it allowed Gordon and Jokic to solidify their connection to the point that it's like a mind-meld. As Jokic said, all he has to do is throw the ball up at the rim--even without looking--because he knows that Aaron is going to be there.
@@123leviathan123 yeah it takes a smart basketball player to recognize that in the first place. A lot of players would probably be like 'i need to be a better scorer' in response to a series loss like that, but big ups to AG for responding accordingly. He's really an underrated gem in that Nuggets team
@@willmael7914 Air Gordon "underrated"? 🧐 He's Mr Nugget!
I heard a brilliant comment about this from Adam Mares, how Malone's strategy is not about optimize overall efficiency throughout a season but to prepare the team to perform and have all the counters in big moments when the "shit hits the fan". I think their defensive style is too taxing for 82 games hence the must pick their spots as they don't have a more traditional scheme to fall back to without a high level rim protector. That limits their net rating but also undersells how strong their pick can be.
I always felt Phil Jackson was somewhat doing the same.
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
The counters for the offense will always be there not only because of Jokic, but sheer versatility the other 4 guys give Jokic as a passing outlet. Other teams with playmaking bigs may have shooters/cutters as an outlet but certainly not a swiss army dunkers spot big wing who can finish above the rim. Even if the Nuggets performs at their 'lowest' efficiency, the results are still as good than other one dimensional teams trying to play as efficient. Their defensive style definitely feels like it has holes in the regular season because they are a bigger lineup with one real hyper athlete in Gordon. In the playoffs they shine because matchups are more limited and their size advantage comes to play making them less susceptible to match up hunting.
this team is a gift to all of us who love basketball from the coaches and others, Denver plays the simplest but also the most beautiful basketball
Your post should be an approved public announcement...
Jokic takes his time and always does the correct play, there are no egos in the team meaning no forced shots and the team is very disciplined and focused. It's hard to beat these guys when they are like this.
As a lakers fan I don't wana watch this rn 😂 with Jokic leading this team it's a monster team. the only team I'm legit scared of in the west and east come playoffs (if we make it lmao )
I was at that warriors game. What a heartbreaker. Joker doing joker things 😂
Jokic is the best offensive player ever idc im saying it already.
i have him top 1 offensive, top3 overall all time
As long as Jokic is on the floor the Nuggets stick to what they’re best at instead of letting their offense devolve into iso hero ball at the end of games
🃏 is op at that too unlike curry and lbj and Gianni's joel
Prime Curry was doing the same thing ngl@@rockysalvatore435
Great video.
Jokic & Playoff Murray (his A game) best offensive duo I’ve ever seen!
They’re the only duo EVER to BOTH avg 25+ 5+ 5+ in the Playoffs and the only 2 players ever to do so on 47+/40+/80+ splits.
Murray last 2 playoffs (39 games to WCF & 🏆in 2020/2023):
26
7
5
1.5 stocks
49/42/91 (55/53/93 in 4ths🤯)
Joker in the middle of top3-7 GOAT 4yr stretch and he’s inarguably been a top10 player EVER pre 30 years old!
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
This team is such a joy to watch… It helps that they have a great coach in Malone!
I love watching the Nuggets play.
No team is as fluid, selfless, active, communicative, and efficient as Denver
Basketball in its peak form
The only other teams that can compare are the mid 80s Lakers, some of those 90s Bulls teams, and those Steph led Warriors a few years ago
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
How the hell is Steph Curry getting more attention than Jokic for clutch player of the year? Clutch plays include assists, not just scoring.
Steph aggro is unnecessary. The man has 2 people guarding him in the clutch, he assists just by being on the court.
people need to grasp how HARD it is to make it look so easy flawless and smooth as the Nuggets. Keep in mind the players do not have that big picture vision like us when we see through a screen. In real time and at their height, the passes and game lecture are just elite
When the Nuggets added Gordon their offense became unstoppable. They were strong when they had Jokic feeding Manimal in that spot, but he was limited to ONLY being viable at the rim and they didn’t get a lot of time together.
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
AG's defense too, best defender on the team and consistently takes on the best player on the opposition.
@@flash012234 I don’t think AG is *great* defensively in the paint or the perimeter individually but his ability to be good at either and great in key moments really adds to his value for sure.
@@WorldwideWyatt
I dont believe so, AG is a very athletic, and a strong defensive wing who has great versatility. Just look at last year's postseason, he took KAT in the 1st round, Book and KD in the 2nd and held them both to sub 40% from the field, Bron in the WCF, and Butler in the Finals and held the Heat to 30%.
He'll get beat from time to time against speedy slashers, but as you said when the money's on the table, you can alw count on him to get that stop.
Who’s here after the Murray Dagger game 2?
RIP TORIYAMA
Thank you Thinking Basketball for the ref.
Jokic has been the legendary saiyan at the end.
What a content... I also think we're going to see some more Justin Holiday soon... He also blend so well in this team...
Jokic never seems flustered either
i commented on an insta post a while ago that they experiment against bad teams and then play hyper efficient against good teams
MPJ shooting 51% on wide open 3s over his entire career is genuinely mind-boggling, Jokic surrounded by elite floor spacing is unfair
Does anyone else get the feeling Jokic could be a great NBA coach? This dude is sharp as hell. He's directing his team in real time like a general. Impressive.
And of course, later the day this was posted the Nuggets come back to beat the Raptors after being down 22 points. Unbelievable.
One of the most amazing analyses I've ever seen of the Nuggets, and that's actually saying a lot. Thank you. Beautiful infographics, as well.
Gordon really unlocked Jokic offensive possibilities and ppl don’t give him enough credit. We see Luka doing the same now with Lively and Gafford, it’s a great formula.
Murray brings the momentum on clutch. As Jokic says he’s a DOG!!
The dunkers spot is usually little more than a dumping ground for guys who clog up the spacing. Not so with Gordon, I believe he's better operating from the dunkers spot than anyone I've seen before.
He's unique in that regard especially for rosters where they funnel their offense for a point big. Domas, Sengun and even Embiid (when healthy) don't really have a teammate at the 4 who is an explosive leaper as a top 10 lob threat but also has passing/ball handling ability. Also holds their own well on defense. Also helps create cross-matching scenarios when teams get caught playing small ball lineups and Gordon is already booking it to the other side of the court when Jokic gets the defensive rebound. So the defender that sticks with Gordon is usually someone he can bully ball.
Nice comment. You know the game.@@t4d0W
just watched the whole video, loved it ❤️
Here after Denver overcame a 20 points deficit and Murray won at the buzzer with one of the clutchest shots i've ever seen. 2nd ring here we goooo
This is the first video I watch all the way through longer than five minutes. Great stuff. Subscribed! I love learning the data science behind my favorite team which happens to be the best team in the world with the best player in the world! We came a long way from when I first watched them in the 2013 playoffs against Curry who began trolling teams with his turn around three pointers.
Gordon is like the reliable Tight End QB’s target to a lot. I wonder if where going to see a new center archetype being a secondary playmaker
We already are. Nick Nurse had Embiid playing that way, and we also got Sabonis and Senguin.
I should of say that different, I do know that Nick Nurse made the 76ers offense better and knowing about Sabonis's and Segnuin's, roll as playmakers, also Andrew Bogut is underrated as a passer with great defense. Shooting is a nice bonus in offense but being a play maker and the tallest person on the court, centers can be air traffic towers running the offense, Maybe we should teach centers more Playmaking skills other than shooting
LMAO its the other way around. Bigs who can pass/screen are your offensive hubs now. The limit to how far they can push that offense depends since their roster lineups commonly have shooters/fast cutters around them. However the Nuggets in that category are the only team with a complimentary hyper athlete whose an above the rim finisher. Which is why even if opposing teams sniff out Jokic screen games as plan 1A, plan 1B is always Gordon cutting or lurking at the dunkers spot. Where Jokic can just toss the ball at the vicinity of the rim and Gordon will damn near guarantee a putback.
Remember how we were questioning the loss of Bruce Brown at the start of the season? Well, Reggie Jackson and Peyton Watson stepped right in. The Nuggets will be just as good this playoffs
Underrated comment. It’s quite crazy how quickly your situation can change in the league.
Bruce Brown is most likely not even going to make the playoffs.
- Malcom Brogdon, Grant Williams, Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, Schroeder, and Ayton are other notable players who won’t make it either
Nuggets have had supreme health luck. Prob wont last
I still think Bruce Brown added a better element to the offense being essentially a 'lesser' Aaron Gordon at 6'4" who can operate at the dunker's spot and more. We'll see if the Nuggets miss him this year in the playoffs because Jackson and Watson may play well in the regular season but can't really be played serious playoff minutes.
@@t4d0W as a Nuggets fan, I sure wish we still had Brucie Brown for the playoffs, he was playing like mad last year in the PO, brought a lot of energy to the game, which is exactly what Denver needs sometimes during the games.
@@xavierb9061 We literally haven't. Murray's already been down for 15 games so far, and we've had a variety of smaller stuff pop up all over the place (Jokic's persistent wrist problem, KCP having some issues, even AG was out with I think foot issues). We've just maintained stability throughout that by playing harder while they're out.
this Nuggets team is like what if the '11 Mavs are younger and the owner didn't try to fuck it up. A bunch of effective and reliable players led by big tall no-nonsense Euro guy.
The 11' Mavericks? Dirk like Jokic? Comparison doesn't work at all for me.
Jokic enables the entire team so everyone is in on the action and makes it so much fun to watch. Even better live in ball out arena.
Yessss!!! Jokic's (Nuggets) videos!!!! Yes yes yes yes yes ❤ quality breakdown, keep that bro 👏
As a lakers fan, I know all about the nuggets getting better in crunch time. We always play them close and In the last 4 minutes, they absolutely cook us 😂😂 not only is their offensive scheme just good, they have guys that can make tough contested shots
Well done - look at how he plays the whole match against strong GSW teams, for example - that's where you can see his size. He's 3 years older than Luka Doncic - MPJ gracefully moves around the court, he doesn't sweat, he's always tidy and never pushes and jumps, he just waits to the ball falls into his hands. MPJ=MVP
They just came back against a 17pt deficit at half time to win against Raptors today.
These play analysis videos are the best NBA basketball related videos on YT period. I'm just a regular (Hawks) fan from the UK, and I get a huge kick out of watching these plays being broken down, accompanied by the entertaining and knowledgeable commentary. Never stop producing these videos. Great work.
KCP is so sneaky on defense!!! His bball IQ is off the charts.
They had a 200ORTG in the clutch in Game 2
If you want evidence that Malone is COTY material, it's this video. Jokic is the best player in the league, a genius on both ends, and Malone still elevates this team far beyond it's base talent
Watching this after their comeback when they were down 22 in 3d is just...👌
Nuggets are clearly just good teams merchants smh
This is a joke for people who can't understand sarcasm.
This was a great analysis! I think KCP stepping in to a midrange from 3 point shot is big deal as well. That’s another element that keeps defense honest
that area on the floor specifically for KCP has been automatic. I think i saw something like 55/56% on those free throw line jumpers. He doesn’t generate a ton of them but it seems like at least once a game there’s a set to get him to that shot.
My boy ben is a dbz fan. We lost a great one :(
Jokic is the best player in the NBA. During the Playoffs last year, every opposing coach got a crack at limiting him. They all failed, badly. There is no stopping Denver in a series. Jokic is just simply too good. Every coach in the league knows this. There is no answer for Jokic and there won't be for a very long time. He is amazing and he is quietly saving professional basketball by becoming a "must see" athlete, no matter what team you root for. He's becoming transcendent. And he's still getting better!
Nuggets play very "mature" style basketball, not lot of fast break points, not lot 3 pointers or iso ball, just slow and steady basketball like they are in playoffs,thats why some of thier games like weaker teams they play very diffrently and can lose a focus for a quater or two
Incredible video I am amazed at this breakdown
10:04 I legit thought this was Tiger Woods talking for a few seconds there!
aged perfectly