Nikola Jokic Reacts to Viral Play in Lakers vs. Nuggets
With just over a minute left in Thursday night's game between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves gambled on a steal while Nikola Jokic had the ball, leading to a wide open three for Michael Porter Jr. to secure the win:
It was a risky play by Reaves that did not pay off, as Jokic's court awareness allows very little room for gambles like this. The play has been going viral on social media, because fans are wondering how Jokic knew Reaves was sneaking up behind him.
While Porter was trying to alert Jokic of Reaves doubling, Jokic told reporters after the game he didn't hear his teammate, and just sensed the double. Expanding on this, Jokic said, "I just felt something behind me, and I just basically threw a pass to Mike. It seems like a good play, but it just happened."
Never too impressed with himself, Jokic did not make much of his spectacular play, calling it "just a pass" despite his teammates all crediting him for the incredible awareness.
Plays like this are what make Jokic so special. While he can score at will in the post, he can also pick apart double teams and find the open man every single time. This separates him from other stars in the league, and it also separates the Nuggets from many other contenders.
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