The impossible standard of Jokic

He was basically perfect in Game 1. How do you deal with it?

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

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In the first quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, Nikola Jokic took a single shot plus a pair of free throws. He had nonetheless fully controlled the game and the Nuggets built a 9-point lead.

In the second quarter, he took two more shots and another pair of free throws. Full control, and Denver’s lead was now 17.

In the third quarter, he took two more shots and four free throws and was utterly dominant in his 11 minutes, 37 seconds. Denver’s lead grew to 21. They were in full control of the game thanks largely to Nikola Jokic, who had taken all of five field goal attempts and eight free throws all night.

And then as Miami closed the gap somewhat in the fourth quarter by finally hitting shots, and as Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. went cold, Jokic started firing up shots (seven FGAs in the quarter, plus four more free throws).

The two-time MVP took 12 shots all night, played good but not extraordinary defense … and completely controlled the game.