Nikola Jokic is doing something pretty incredible this season – he’s suddenly become one of the NBA’s deadliest three-point shooters.
That’s on top of his already mind-boggling stats. He’s averaging 31.5 points (second in the league), 13 rebounds (third), and 9.7 assists (second) per game.
But it’s his shooting that’s turning heads. Jokic is hitting an amazing 47.3% of his threes while taking nearly five shots from deep each game.
The transformation didn’t happen by accident. After struggling with his shot in last year’s playoffs – hitting just 33.3% against the Lakers and an ugly 22.9% against the Wolves – Jokic knew something had to change.
Those shooting woes really showed up when it mattered most. In Games 6 and 7 against Minnesota, he went ice-cold from deep, making just 2 of 16 attempts.
So who helped turn things around? Enter Nuggets assistant coach Ogi Stojakovic (no, not that Stojakovic).
“I think it helps you so much when you are able to shoot the ball at a high level,” Jokic told The Athletic. “It gives you another thing that defenses have to respect on your game.”
The fix was surprisingly simple. Stojakovic had Jokic start his shooting motion higher, taking some pressure off his legs.
“What we like is that he’s taking less energy to shoot the ball,” Stojakovic explained. “He’s shooting the ball closer to his body… It’s a cleaner shot, and it’s more confident.”
But even with Jokic playing like a video game character, the Nuggets aren’t exactly dominating. They’re sitting at 20-14, barely ahead of the seventh-place Clippers.
Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray haven’t helped. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr.’s name keeps popping up in trade rumors.
Russell Westbrook has stepped up as a starter, but the Nuggets need more. Because right now, one of the greatest individual seasons we’ve ever seen isn’t getting the team success it deserves.
