Stan Van Gundy, once an NBA coach, now an expert consultant and commentator, had only words of praise for Nikola Jokic!
The Serbian basketball player was most responsible for Denver’s victory over the Warriors.
The current MVP recorded 22 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, and a blockade with which he solved the questions of the winner.
This match was followed by the famous Isaiah Thomas and Stan Van Gundy, who spoke in the superlative about Jokić.
– It is a very bad decision to attack Jokic in the racket and try to pass over him for overtime. They had to return the ball to Curry to kick a three. He would probably guess, but attacking Jokic at that moment is a very bad decision – said Thomas, and Van Gundy added.
– Jokic was certainly happy that he redeemed himself with a blockade after losing the ball earlier, which gave the Warriors a chance to equalize. He has done that before and now he has succeeded again – the former coach added.
On this occasion, they also touched on Jokic’s defense, which is often criticized by the media.
– There is nothing that Jokic does not do. Passings, which cannot be stopped. You have to take good care of him because he first sees if there is anyone free to pass to him, if not, he will give the basket over to you. Michael Malone said that Jokic is ripe for the best defensive five, I think he exaggerated a bit, but he has made a lot of progress in defense – said Van Gundy, and Thomas added.
– He may not be the best defender in the way we compare them, according to statistics, but he is a great defender, he is a great center, just like Bill Lambir was. He was not a good blocker, but he always made you take hard shots and kept you well, and always ensured a jump. Jokic is forcing you to do the same and he is great in jumping – said Isaiah.
In the end, Van Gundy decided to give the final word and state the following.
– Jokic ‘wears’ them. They play without half the team. His second best player is Austin Rivers, and they are still at 50%. That is the MVP – he concluded.
How do you comment on this presentation by Van Gundy and Thomas?
