The Denver Nuggets have had to dodge problems in recent weeks as they look to reach the top spot in the NBA’s Western Conference. They have won only half of their last 12 games and are clinging to third place in the West.
This Monday they have an important game against the Golden State Warriors, who have been on a good run since the trade of star Jimmy Butler
Nikola Jokic will not be able to help his team on the court
Unfortunately, Denver is short of players to face this game. It had already been announced that Jamal Murray and Christian Braun would not participate, and at the last minute their superstar Nikola Jokic was added to the list, as he is suffering from a couple of ailments.
Everything seems to indicate that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team that leads the conference, will be the winner of the Most Valuable Player award, but several specialists maintain Jokic as the best basketball player.
Nikola’s offensive power will be missed
Nikola Jokic has statistics as huge as he is, averaging 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game this season, and is on the verge of becoming the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. But the main thing is that because of his great offensive power, he is the attacking axis that gives life to the Nuggets, both offensively and in their transition game
His quality and physical qualities make him an expert in capturing defensive rebounds and being indispensable in counter-attacks, as well as assisting his teammates in pick-and-rolls and dribble hand-offs.
Golden State has won 14 of its last 16 games since Butler, a six-time All-Star, made his debut with the team. They are starting to gain ground and could become the surprise team for the NBA playoffs this season.
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