Key Match-Up
Nikola Jokic v Cavs bigs
Cavaliers big men will have their hands full tonight as they try and contain the talented Nikola Jokic.
Not only is Jokic one of the best young centers in the league but he’s one of the best passing big men of all-time. The 23 year old is averaging (21.6ppg, 10.6 rbds, and 7.1 assists, through seven games this season. The Nuggets don’t have a traditional point guard that the offense runs through, thus leaves Jokic as the main guy.
Denver’s guards are more scoring guards than they are guards who set up an offense. Jokic allows the Nuggets guards to play more freely and hunt open lanes without the ball. This presents a very difficult challenge for the Cavaliers as Jokic is the best in the biz at finding the open cutter. Tristian Thompson and Larry Nance Jr are going to have their hands full tonight as they try to cut off passing lanes while also not allowing Jokic to beat them as a scorer.
In order for Cleveland to contain the play making of Jokic they’ll need to play extremely active on defense, specifically communication needs to be better. Throughout the season Cleveland has been late on rotations multiple times a game which has lead to a lot of open shots for opponents. Tonight this has to be corrected or Denver will make them pay, Jokic surrounded by shooters is an extremely dangerous lineup.
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