Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic On Airball That Led To Win: ‘This Is Gonna Be Bad’

With the final seconds ticking away and the game tied, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic launched a well-challenged heave against the Clippers.

Airball.

But that airball was collected near the basket by teammate Aaron Gordon, who dunked it home at the buzzer. Final score: Nuggets 101, Clippers 99, and the series head back to Denver tied at 2-all.

As for the shot that failed miserably … and led to a win anyway, Jokic indicated he had a good idea it was off the mark.

When asked about his thoughts upon releasing the shot, Jokic told reporters, “This is gonna be bad.”

And it was bad. But it ended up being a moment of brilliance.

In Jokic’s defense, coaches and (especially NBA) players know that in those situations, the goal is to make the basket first; but if all else fails, just to get the ball near the rim. Jokic did. Then Gordon did the rest.