For Nikola Jokic, the first round of the playoffs has not been a pleasant experience till now. He was ejected from game 2 as Denver fell behind Golden State 2-0. Jokic has also not liked the officiating during the games and has wanted more fouls to be called.
Even though Denver is without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr, a sweep for GSW will not look good on Jokic. But Shaq has come out for his support.
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During his recent podcast, Shaq threw his weight behind Jokic. He said, “Big guys play against little guys, we never gonna get the call.” He further said, “The refs always gonna give the little guys the advantage.”
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His final suggestion for Jokic was ” You do what you gotta do sometimes.” Shaq didn’t refute him when his fellow podcaster suggested knocking the other player’s teeth out. ‘The Big Aristotle’ always had a soft corner for big men and always tries to support them whenever possible.
Jokic is not known as a traditional center that likes to play bully ball. Instead, Jokic is more of a passer and a much better shooter who can also stretch the floor. The Warriors have been physical with him throughout the two games of the series and that has led to Jokic losing some of his Midas touch for the Nuggets.
A change in approach coming?
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Shaq is somewhat of an elder statesman for centers in the league. When he speaks and gives advice, people listen. Jokic who is also the odds-on favorite to win his second-consecutive MVP might just need to change his just a little so that he can at least make this series more competitive than what it is right now.
Knocking someone’s teeth might be too much of an exaggeration. But if Jokic becomes just a little bit more physical as Shaq suggests, with his height advantage, Jokic will not have any problem dominating the Golden State line-up without a true center.
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With the next two games being of paramount importance, let’s see how Jokic bounces back.