All-Star Center Reacts to Guarding Nikola Jokic

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Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic turned in another historic performance on Saturday night, finishing with 36 points, 14 assists, 13 rebounds, and 0 turnovers. Unfortunately for Denver, this was not enough to take down the Sacramento Kings, who got contributions from up and down their lineup in a 123-117 win over the defending champions.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Kings center Domantas Sabonis was asked about defending Jokic, and said, "It's a lot of fun going against one of the greats. He's tough. You're there and he just has this magical touch, he's gonna make it from a lot of tough positions. He's seen a lot of things thrown at him, and he's ready. His teammates do a great job of moving for him."
Domantas Sabonis talks scouting Nikola Jokic
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) December 3, 2023
"he has this magical touch" 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/BxOuqWcOU6
When asked about Jokic's fallaway shot and if Sacramento is okay living with it, Sabonis said, "On our [scouting report] that's a win for us. We're living with those. But he's starting to make those very consistently."
As Sabonis highlights, there is really no way to stop Jokic. If he is double teamed, he will find his teammates. Left singly covered, there's even more ways Jokic can attack. Truly a one of a kind player, Jokic continues to reach new heights. Fortunately for the Kings, they were able to survive his monster game on Saturday and come away with a big win.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.