The Warriors did a good job locking down reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, which helped them win Game 1 over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
It was a Draymond Green-led defensive effort that held the Joker to 25 points on 25 shots. He attempted just two free throw attempts and missed all four triples he got up.
Golden State’s Iron Man Kevon Looney also helped shut down Jokic on the offensive end.
Draymond was happy the Warriors walked away with a W, but he knows the Warriors are in for a ride in Game 2 at Chase Center.
Jokic gave credit to both Dray and Loon after Game 1, saying they defended him “really well” and have plenty of tools.
“I think most people will be like ‘Oh man, that’s great’. I feel like he’s going to try to come out and give me 40, 15 and 15 next game,” Green told reporters on Sunday. “So how I feel is he’s pissed off, and he’s coming back with a vengeance tomorrow.”
When you’re content with an opposing player scoring 25, it goes to show just how dangerous Jokic can be.
Not only did he earn the 2020-21 NBA MVP award, but he has been making a case to be named a back-to-back MVP this season.
It’s a long series and the Warriors know Jokic and the Nuggets will make it extremely hard for them to advance to the conference semifinals.
Draymond is confident that as long as the Warriors make it a challenge for the Joker, Golden State should be in a good place.
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“We just have to make things tough,” Green said. “When you’re playing against a great player, they’re going to score. He still had 25 points. You’re not locking down a great player. He’s the MVP of the NBA for a reason. He’s possibly the MVP of the NBA again, for a reason.
“He’s an incredible, incredible player. Very tough to guard. When I’m guarding him, I’m also playing chess. It’s not all just bang, bang, bang beat him to the spot. It’s a lot of different games within the game that you have to try and play with a guy like that.”
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