Draymond Green's Defense Key to Stopping Jokic
The Denver Nuggets won 3 of the 4 in-season matchups between them and the Warriors. Reigning MVP and likely repeater for that award Nikola Jokic averaged an efficient 28 points, 15 boards, and just under 9 assists. It figured that Jokic would be a major matchup problem for Golden State if they met in the playoffs, as his size and skill were something the Warriors just have no answer to with their tallest active player being 6’9.
Unfortunately for Denver, none of those in-season matchups had Draymond Green in them.
In the first two games of the playoffs, Green has been giving the Serbian big-man fits, frustrating him into an ejection in last night’s Game 2. While the Warriors have mostly employed a platoon of centers to try and shut him down, Green has been the focal point, locking him down and limiting his impact.
Jokic has still gotten his buckets, but his net rating in this series has not been phenomenal. Aside from playing against Draymond, he’s averaged 25p/10r/5a, on an uncharacteristic 46% from the field. He also hasn’t hit a three, despite launching 4 a game across both contests. While this is likely not going to continue once Denver hits their homecourt, the Warriors have done a very impressive job on him so far.
A big part of Jokic’s reduced impact is on the defensive end as well. Golden State has done an excellent job of involving him in actions as the roll defender. They can create mismatches on the perimeter, especially in guard-heavy lineups like their new, to-be-named 5-man group of Green, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Steph Curry, and Klay Thompson. Jokic has improved as a defender this season, but he’s still not capable of staying in front of shiftier handlers like Poole or Curry, or tagging a quicker roll man.
There’s been some complaints from the Nuggets personnel - both players and coaches - about the foul-calling being in Golden State’s favor. What’s ironic is a physical game should benefit a bigger team like Denver, especially because Jokic’s style of play in the paint is a physical one. His strength should mean they have the edge down low. Draymond Green is 5 inches shorter and not as big.
This itself is very impressive and shows how good Draymond Green is, avoiding overly-fouling while still playing great, physical defense. This is the playoffs, and the whistles are going to get a little tighter when it comes to getting things called. Green is a smart defender and him daring refs to make calls while he’s matched up against a bigger opponent is him making a smart decision.
Game 3 is set for Thursday in Denver. While the Warriors have cracked both of the first two games wide open with their mach-5 lineup, it remains to be seen whether a homecourt situation might revitalize the Nuggets and unlock another MVP-level performance. The home team can sometimes get better calls, so it will be important for the Warriors - especially Draymond Green, as the lead defender on Jokic - to stay disciplined and keep out of foul trouble.
(Photo credit: NBC Sports Bay Area)