Nikola Jokic may be the most difficult problem to solve in the NBA today.
Los Angeles Lakers Head coach Darvin Ham admitted as much before Game 2 of the first-round series with the team Denver nuggetssaid he was as confused as anyone about having to shut down MVP twice.
“It looks like [expletive], I don't know what to do,” Ham said Monday. “You just have to go out there and try to be as disciplined as possible, aggressive and consistent. And have a good mindset for the next play, my friend. Can't be disappointed, can't be discouraged.
“Kid is a generational player. Just keep swinging, keep swinging, swinging, swinging.”
Jokic and Denver's dominance over the Lakers has been well documented. After the big man helped the Nuggets sweep LA in the playoffs last season, they followed up with a 3-0 sweep on the season.
In three regular-season games with the Lakers this year, Jokic averaged 29.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists while shooting 55.2% from the field and 37.5% from 3. land point.
Then, in Game 1 on Saturday, the superstar big man dropped 32 points with 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
“He became extremely efficient. When he controls their offense, he knows how to kill you in many different ways,” Ham said. “Just put constant pressure on him, and it doesn't seem to bother him either. Taller than everyone, wingspan, great skills.”
Ham and the Lakers will try to once again solve the difficult problem in Game 2 of the first series. The game ends at 10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT
