Guarding a player of Nikola Jokic’s size and skill set is a job not suited for just one man. A two-time MVP with unstoppable scoring prowess, nimble feet, and incredible vision and passing ability, Jokic shows fans and opponents why he might be the NBA’s best player right now. On
On Monday, as the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Denver Nuggets, the task of defending Jokic fell on the shoulders of veteran center Brook Lopez. And while Jokic’s 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists are still impressive numbers, the fact that the Serbian big man had to put up 25 attempts to score that many is a testament to Lopez’s defensive effort and the Bucks’ game plan.
Maximize Lopez’s defensive ability
At 7-foot-1 and weighing 280 pounds, the 16-year pro is a man mountain in the paint. Known for his elite shot-blocking skills, Lopez has made a name for himself as one of the best defensive centers in the league. And on Monday night, he showed why.
Lopez used his size and strength to muscle Jokic out of his comfort zone, forcing him to take difficult shots and limiting his opportunities to facilitate. He also used his length to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes, making it difficult for the Nuggets' offense to get into a rhythm. Proof of Brook's activity on defense was Jokic’s five turnovers on the night.
After the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers revealed that they’re still learning how and where to best utilize Lopez to help fortify Milwaukee’s defense, which has improved over the last few weeks.
“He’s a very intelligent defender, uses his length,” Rivers said, referring to Lopez.
“He knows what he can’t do. I think we are understanding what he can’t do, and we try not to put him in those positions. Plays at that little drop, but not all the way dropped. (Jokić) is a tougher player, maybe the toughest player in the league to be in any kind of drop with, and yet, Brook stopped the ball and got back a ton. So that’s pretty good stuff.”
Embracing the challenge
Jokic is a handful to deal with, yet Lopez has embraced the challenge of defending the All-Star center.
“It is, absolutely. Yeah, it is fun. I mean, that’s why we play, that’s why I play,” Lopez shared while also crediting his teammates for helping make things difficult for the Serbian sensation.
“The part where we’ve been great is, you know, it’s not one person’s job. We’ve been great at having all five on a string, having each other’s back, helper helping the helper helping the helper and scrambling, just really doing a great job at that.”
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