Shaq calls out Clippers mistake with Nikola Jokic

Shaquille O'Neal Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O'Neal calls out Clippers' defensive mistake with Nikola Jokic

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/15/23

The Denver Nuggets defeated the LA Clippers on Tuesday. Ty Lue's team has now lost six straight games. However, losing to the reigning NBA champions isn't anything to be upset about. The Nuggets are arguably the most complete team in the league right now.

That said, former Los Angeles Lakers champion Shaquille O'Neal believes the Clippers didn't have a good game. O'Neal specifically took issue with how the team was set up to guard Nikola Jokic.

"His (Ty Lue's) only mistake tonight - you talked about switching everything when you have a big - Joker's not your average big," O'Neal said. "...What are you gonna do on the other end? The small ball didn't work. He took them one-on-one, and he made plays. I don't really see a lot of positives. I mean, they got back in the game. But what I never liked about the Clippers is they waited until late to come back, and they tried to hero ball. That's not how you win a championship. That's not how you get better. They played hard."

“They wait till late to come back and they try to hero ball. … That’s not how you win a championship. That’s not how you get better.”

Shaq on the Clippers falling to 0-6 on the road pic.twitter.com/Ko4Q4ZIPiN
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 15, 2023

Defending Jokic is a quandary that stifles most teams in the NBA. His diverse approach on offense puts opposing defenses in tough positions throughout a game. Going small against Jokic is a targeted approach to pick him up away from the paint and limit his post-up opportunities. The problem is that Jokic can pass out of those positions and hurt your defense in other ways.

The Clippers are also short on big-man options following Mason Plumlee's recent injury. As such, Lue is forced to roll with Ivica Zubac or to go small. He doesn't have a third option right now.

Jokic has started the season like an MVP candidate. He is averaging 30 points, 13.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists while shooting 57.9 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three-point range. The Clippers are just another team the star big man has steamrollered to begin the season.

Still, O'Neal's overall point is fair. The Clippers do need some fresh ideas on defense. They do play isolation basketball too often. And they are a team on the slide.

Yet, using their defense of Jokic as the bar to measure them by is unfair. There aren't many players as skilled or as dominant in the NBA. The interesting part will be seeing how Lue and his coaching staff alter their approach the next time they face Denver. That's when the real chess battle will be on display.

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