![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rasheed-Wallace-and-Jokic.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rasheed-Wallace-and-Jokic.jpg?width=600)
Before jumping to conclusions about Rudy Gobert’s defensive skills, answer this: How would you fare guarding the Denver Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic, if you stood 7 feet tall, possessed Gobert’s agility, and boasted his wingspan? If you have an answer, think again. It’s a conundrum that’s leaving the basketball world scratching their heads.
Not only this, you can also prompt a few calls to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team could certainly use. In the last Game 5, Minnesota locked up heads with the Denver Nuggets. Despite utmost efforts, the Timberwolves couldn’t fend off a major defeat. Unfortunately, the team suffered a major upset in Game 5 with a 112-97 loss. Meanwhile, the Nuggets accomplished an incredible 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Actually, what made the feat remarkable was not the win but a lead in the series which was once ruled by Minnesota with a 2-0 lead. At that time, Wolves looked unstoppable. However, Nikola Jokic turned the tables upside down. Now, spectators are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Game 6 scheduled on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-15T032032Z_1362530450_MT1USATODAY23276088_RTRMADP_3_NBA-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-DENVER-NUGGETS-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
May 14, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) guards in the first quarter during game five of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
As the news aired, Sheed and Tyler sat in a recent episode of their YouTube series, “Sheed & Tyler Discuss The Knicks And Nikola Jokic DOMINATING“ and shared their insights. The glimpse of the interview was then posted on the official YouTube channel, igniting fervent debates. However, this is not the only thing that garnered the attention of many.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Interestingly, Tyler and Sheed not only shared insights but also some tips to guide Wolves for the upcoming showdown. “He’s a poor defender,” said Rasheed Wallace in the same interview. But why did he say so?
Is Nikola Jokic really a poor defender?
Actually, all this is what Rasheed feels. As per current standings, Jokic leads the NBA with a 4.4 score in defensive box plus/minus ratings. Not only this, but he also averages 26.2 points, 9.2 assists, one block per game, 9.2 assists, and 12.3 rebounds. And, this makes Jokic’s defensive capabilities a matter of debate within the NBA community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moving on, Wallace was asked, “Jokic is the unguarding guy in the league right now. Like nobody has an answer for him.” To which Rasheed replied, “It has to be another center, which is not at the moment who can go right back at him, who can put up just as many shots as he do. You got to make him work.”
Now, all these strategies can be used by the Timberwolves for the upcoming matchup to stop the Nuggets’ superstar Jokic from adding a score to the team’s total. But, the question is: Who will win Game 6 between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves?