Warriors’ Draymond Green shows utmost respect for MVP Nikola Jokic
The Golden State Warriors seemed to be set for an early-postseason challenge as their biggest weakness was going to be exposed in Round 1.
While the Warriors managed to get by the Nuggets in five games, reigning MVP Nikola Jokic still imposed his will on one of the NBA’s best defenses. Jokic averaged the most points per game (31) through the first round.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets 4-1, and four-time All-Star Draymond Green praised reigning MVP Nikola Jokic following the series.
Jokic had an absolutely terrific series, and the Nuggets could’ve truly threatened the Warriors had guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. been active. Jokic scored 30 or more in 3 of the 5.
In back-to-back games, the star center put up 37 points. He also had a double-double in all but one game. In games 3-5, Jokic averaged 34.7 points per game. He did that on the Warriors’ offense which is among the best in the NBA.
Whenever you put those types of numbers up on Golden State, you’re going to get the attention of former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green. Green talked about Jokic and his impact following the Warriors’ series-ending win.
Green thanking someone for playing against him is all you need to know the respect the star forward has for Jokic. Green, who has said that he’s the best defender to ever play before, oftentimes was matched up on Jokic. Undersized, Green averaged 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks.
The Warriors were drastically out-rebounded, especially in Game 5. Given Green is 6-foot-6 and was typically matched up with Jokic when the Warriors went to their small-ball lineup, the two likely grew familiar with each other’s game.
As for Green, he notched 9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. It was a solid series for Green as he continued to show his value on both ends of the court. Despite his best efforts, slowing down Jokic is easier said than done.
With Jokic set to be the league’s back-to-back MVP, the Serbian signed a massive five-year contract extension. For the Nuggets, things are starting to come together, and it’ll be Jokic at the core of the team for the long-term future.