From the start of Game 2, the Phoenix Suns’ strategy was to shut down the Denver Nuggets and let Nikola Jokic win. The Suns led 42-40 at halftime. As great players do, Jokic led Denver to a 97-87 triumph to take a 2-0 series lead.
The two-time MVP scored 26 of his 39 points in the second half, including an 18-point third quarter on 7 of 11 shooting. In the triumph, he added 16 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block.
Jokic used floaters, runners, and savvy layups to dominate the post. Credit the Suns, especially Deandre Ayton, for making Jokic’s life difficult, but he’s got stuff like this
After three Denver players scored 20+ points in Game 1, the Suns limited Jokic’s shot creation. It was a good gameplan, but the Suns had another poor shooting night and Jokic shot 56.7% on 30 shots. Given his passing, rebounding, and scoring, Jokic’s 30 field goal attempts were the most of the season.
Despite a poor shooting night, Jokic led Denver to a win.
Jokic’s scoring was crucial for a Nuggets team that shot badly in Game 2, including 25.9% from 3-point range. Jamal Murray, who scored 34 points in Denver’s Game 1 win, scored 10 points on 3 of 15 shooting and missed all nine 3-point tries. Aaron Gordon’s 16 points were down from his 23 in Game 1, but his second-half defense on Kevin Durant helped the Nuggets prevail. Michael Porter Jr. scored five points.
Michael Malone, Nuggets head coach, commended his top player for dominating the second half.
“He was phenomenal tonight,” Malone said. Being aggressive, he attempted 30 field goals. Nikola stepped up tonight when others struggled. He’s MVP.”
Jokic’s roughly 40 points per game aren’t necessary for the Nuggets. Jokic proved why Malone called him an MVP on occasions like Monday, when his teammates struggled to score.