Why supporting casts win championships | NBA Finals Game 4 analysis
Вставка
- Опубліковано 9 чер 2023
- Why did Denver's role players have such big nights in Game 4? This detailed film room study examines how Miami's defense tried to stop Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic as scorers, the Nuggets supporting cast on offense and defense, and Jokic's defense protecting the paint.
www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com
Use signup code GREAT DAY for the at $300 off
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Didekbeats (Nemesis)
#ThinkingBasketball #nbafinals #nbafinals - Спорт
Malone said it best; Murray had 12 assists, 0 turnovers while being hounded and pressured all night. That some great skill and concentration.
Tatum and Brown should attend Murray's basketball training camp on dishing assist without having a lot of turnovers.
Murray is so crafty and got some genius handles in him..he rarely loses the ball in traffic!
@@bossg2817Murray is a point guard. Tatum and Brown are wing players. Different roles, although I agree.
And was happy that murray never got bored of making the plays
That efficiency was not good though he lowkey kept Miami in the game for a while until Brown and Gordan put it away.
I've been watching basketball since 1994, and it has been a while since I saw this kind of gorgeous basketball. Awakens the same feelings that I got from the Timmy led Spurs. No egos, max effort, max professionalism. Just pure joy.
The hawks tried in 2015. But ya know… LeBron.
Well said, this is low key best team basketball since Timmy's Spurs. I really like warriors offball teamplay but Nuggets are real Spurs-like unselfish flow offense. Similiar kind of basketball is usually played in Serbian national team, because we don't have heavy weight athletes that can overpower defense, it's always motion and passing! I'm so happy this style of basket wins nowdays
@@ChikaNeca teams dont have talent play this way. Theres usually weak player out of 5
You right OG, I been out here since 2017 watching my Nuggets and they built like an old school team with new school tempo
@@xavierb9061 You really have no idea what you are talking about.
He literally just mentioned prime Spurs and Yugoslavian school of basketball. Plenty of talent and purest form of basketball. Wtf dude?
It takes a smart guy to tell a teammate what needs to be done (Jokic). It takes an even smarter guy (and a quite humble one as well) to actually take that for what it is, an advice - and implement it right away (Gordon).
yep ...some guys mistake advice for criticism
I've noticed Gordon listening to Jokic and Jeff Green a lot this series. You love to see a coachable player!
Gordon is a perfect teammate… Also HOT as hell lol.
@savagesavant4964 It comes down to intention. Some dudes give advice maliciously and not in a genuine, helpful way. Jokic is not that dude, he wants to help his team be better, and is more happy when theyre good than himself.
The whole team has this mindset, it's contagious, just like Jokics passing.
people had been accusing malone of shitty rotations the previous 2 seasons, but failed to realise the absolutely pitiful roster he had with all the injuries. The playoffs has shown that with rotation players he can make great adjustments
Fr what are you supposed to do when you have Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers starting
"hOw CAn hE bE mVP wiThOuT rInG" - 🤡
@@CleverAccountName303ong those clowns switched up now
Lebron fans and youngins (prolly you too) think the NBA started when they started watching.
Go look 1988 season.
Now that’s a basketball player.
He pissed me off when he refused to let mpj get decent playing time for so long
Just look at Jokic coaching the whole team in real time lmao what a legend he claps when they do what they are supposed to do
Yeah man, and the fact that they’re willing to listen to it says a lot. Jokić has one of the highest basketball IQs of all time in my opinion, and I like that specifically AG listened and implemented his advice on the next possession.
@@aquatazer ngl was really not imaging jokic whooping the suns and winning the finals and he might win the mvp next season
That KCP lob was insane man. He already knew AG was open . Jokic's game speed makes up for his physical speed
Gordon once said..Joker always see it but sometimes he has to hold the ball until teammates see it.
@@pauleagle6281 When did he say that? That's brilliant 😂
Good to see Gordon finally getting a decent system for him to shine. Helps to have Murray and Jokic throwing you the ball!
He fits em well aye. Brings a ton of athleticism and physicality
The Nuggets can give
Gordon so much space and Jokic can get that ball to him anywhere. Cheat code!
At first I thought he was trash his first year on the nuggets . I’m like y’all just picked up a dunker and his lack of shooting 😂 but now he add so much value for them .
I think Gordon bein baptized in the fire in Orlando really helped him. His ball handling and vision improved because they used him as a point forward and that ability to run offense but also play off ball has made him a great #3.
@@chrissullivan6572 Gordon has been surprisingly good at hitting secondary cutters and open teammates this season. His playmaking has stepped up,
Joker is rubbing off on Murray. Murray used to force everything. He was too antsy, and was inconsistent. Through these playoffs, we’ve witnessed an evolution in jamal Murray’s game. He’s proved himself to be one of the most elite mid range shooters in the league. He’s gone from an average playmaker, to someone who can take over a game without scoring. But if he wants, he’ll get you 30 easy. This team is just amazing to watch. It’s a brotherhood. Unselfish, and no egos to plague the chemistry. They all support one another, and if one is having a bad night. They don’t force it, they let someone else eat, so they can succeed as a whole.
I hope we can retain brown, and keep this foundation.
Agree. Murray used to force it too much and was always on my sh*t list lol. Can’t believe how much better he has gotten.
Even Gordon. Have you seen his passes? 😂
unfortunately it's impossible for them to keep brown.
I think his injury humble him to how great jokic is. I think before he felt that he was better than jokic.
Murray is Kyrie with slightly fewer handles, more dime ability, and none of the drama. and he's 2 inches taller.
2:17 Is all you need to know to see how connected this team is. Jokic pointing up telling KCP to throw the lob to AG without even looking where AG or his defender was is incredible. He fist pumps when KCP and AG both already found it at the same time as him.
Dude really has an eye on his back 🤣
Jokic saw where Butler was and where AG was. He also saw the double team for Murray. Jokic saw the 2 on 1 situation for Butler and immediately went to occupy butler so that Gordon had all the freedom. That has nothing to do with eyes in the back of the head. Its just a play from a smart player and something a lot of players can do
Makes sense, he's occupying the only Heat player on that side of the court lol.
I didn't notice this the first time I saw it. Thank you. Truly incredible
@@moody4624yeah I’m sure a ton of guys are replicating this
I wish major media outlets like ESPN had this level of analysis. But then again, that would be too much to ask of them.
Its doesn't sell. The loud, ridiculous, drama filled and simplified takes for the masses and casuals is what sells. The stupider the audience, this easier it is to entertain them.
@@J.A.Z-TheMortal Don't be so negative about it - people just have a different level of involvement in a subject. They can enjoy it without being interested in the breakdown of specific plays...
@@ededgeed but former pro players act stupid
They are more worried about the important stuff. Like how Jokic was only voted for MVP cuz he's white. 🙄
@@ededgeed nah its literally whats wrong with modern sports shows lol. all yelling screaming criticism but not constructive its toxic and cancerous
Jokic got me back into basketball. I saw some of his clips, which got me watching highlights, which got me watching analysis, which got me watching your channel.
I've been watching your videos for a while and it's made it really easy to fall in love with basketball again.
I haven't watched a live basketball game since Jordan left the Bulls. It's been over 20 years but I'm watching Denver vs Miami. I flipped on games 1 and 2 for some of the second half. I watched game 4 from the 2nd quarter onwards. I'm planning to just watch all of game 5. Never thought I'd see the day where I'd watch a full game, live but here we are. And I'm excited for it.
What an incredible and compelling post season it's been. I love watching Jokic play basketball. I'm not sure I would have rediscovered that passion without your videos.
Thank you.
Same for me, though it’s been over 45 years. I’ve just never cared about the iso-ball players. Discovered Jokic by accident abt 3 years ago & have been watching every game. Beautiful team basketball.
People said Denver was boring. Jokic had no charisma. Worst MVP in decades. Worst finals in years.
I said Jokic and butler being on the biggest stage is one of the best things that could happen to the NBA. They both play very beautiful but also very distinct styles of basketball. A ton of new fans will start to tune in and the NBA won't be so top heavy with stars.
If you love chemistry, team ball, quiet consistent dominance and lights out shooting Denver will make you a new fan.
If you love hard nosed defense, battling for every point, unsung heroes, with ungodly shooting on some nights and stepping up your game when it matters then we got new Heat fans.
Welcome back to the game!
@@josephmatthews7698 Beautifully said!
Jokic is something else man. Dude makes it a point to be a quiet guy but not stay silent and his team listens.
Haven’t seen Bruce Brown play since he left Brooklyn. He was practically an undersized 4 with a floater and corner three. Seeing him now essentially be the backup point running p&r on a championship team is incredible. I respect the work it took for him to get to this point in just two years.
so u just watch the finals ? hes doing it all playoff long making explosive point from the bench .
BRUCE BROWN DO IT ALL
Bruce Brown been nice. He has great hustle and knows his role.
He has a different role with the Nuggets because his given skillset when he has Jokic/Murray optimizes his on court play. His cutting/hoop finishing adds value so he's not just a small dunkers spot guy. He's also just as feisty and physical defensively when he's gotta defend someone. He really does play to the whole size advantage the Nuggets want to flex.
Miami is playing so disciplined it's hard to believe. Any other team would be blown away by this Denver..
this is honestly the best way to see miami go. just being outplayed. theyre similar teams but nuggets are just literally bigger and more talented.
love both teams
Huge respect for Miami. They're coming out swinging despite lacking the firepower needed to match Denver.
The Spurs were my favorite team since I was a kid, mostly because I loved David Robinson. However, my time following the Spurs was mostly during the Big 3 era of Parker, Ginobili, and Tim Duncan. Ginobili is criminally underrated; he provided close to superstar value off the bench if BPM is anything to go by (seriously, check his BPM for his prime years), and Duncan is obviously Duncan.
The Spurs are still my favorite team, and I am super excited for the Wemby years (especially if Pop still has one chip left in the tank!), but Jokic's Nuggets make me so happy to watch. I really hope they can be another Spurs team for another decade. If they can keep Gordon and Murray and maybe even MPJ for the next 7 years, I will be very happy for them. Malone has been Jokic's only coach for his entire career, and if he can continue to be that until Jokic retires, it will be incredibly satisfying.
In so many ways, I feel like the Nuggets already are the spiritual successor of the Spurs, especially the 2014 title team. They drafted most of their core in Mal, MPJ, and Jokic. They have outstanding ball movement. They have an unselfish superstar who sets the tone for the entire team. They are coached well. Their main man feels like a combination of Timmy "I don't jump on defense" Duncan and Boris "Let's have pass-arounds instead of shoot-arounds" Diaw.
Here's to unselfish basketball. I hope Jokic gets a full hand of rings and forces everyone to talk about him in the GOAT conversation.
on god!
Yup big fan of the spurs since early 90s...but surprised u didnt mention GSW whose core is also dev like spurs....esp w green being a swissarmy knife like Manu.
Curry as unselfish as superstars come but like the Big Fundamental he uses his skillsets really well.
Only difference is GSW gets luxuries like Iggy and Durant
Vs Jackson , Tmac, diaw, dannyG Barry, horry and finley. gSW could still compete w/o those guys too.
@@bait6652 This is a fair comparison, although I think the complete lack of ego of Jokic is what really sells the Spurs comparison to me. Curry is unselfish by NBA standards, but afaik he does care about the records and the accolades. Jokic, like Duncan, just wants to win. His game is an evolution of that desire. He makes the passes and shots because those are required to win. When he's not playing, he just wants to be left alone. Tim likes swimming. Jokic likes horses. They avoid the limelight. They're obviously very different players. But the person behind the play feels so similar.
If the Spurs had drafted Jokic, I think Pop would be over the moon with how coachable and intelligent and lowkey he is like Duncan. Pop with Curry... I'm not sure how that would work out. I think they could make it work and win, but Curry doesn't quite fit Pop's ideal player mold.
@@CalebShimomura pops made it work w TP who was all flash coming to the league, Manu as well. The array of skillsets ,curry possesses makes its an ideal relationship cuz as fundamentally sound as pops is...hes also a pretty good wizard. whether pops needs that highIQ bigman who knows but hes had 3 going on assumingly 4 eras of them even tho LA(w DD) was bygone era.
You make a good point about outta the limelight but that might just be the bigman mentality(aside from KG). but i think curry and pops could shape their behaviours atowards the other...
After all pops did it w TP/Manu. And dellcurry could probably reign his kidd in.
As for the accoloades....i think curry cares more about winning, he just has the skillsets to chase,(its like Ovie and scoring) All 3 have revolutionized the game...itll be interesting how jokic shapes the league the next 5 years as murrays injury delayed nuggets success
@@bait6652 Oh for sure Curry cares more about winning. You don't win 4 chips without being focused on winning them.
But yeah, considering Pop learned to let Manu be Manu, I think he could do the same with Curry. Plus, I'm sure there's a little of Pop in Kerr. If Kerr could let the wild decision-making and shot-taking go, I suspect Pop could find it in him as well.
Idk about big men avoiding the spotlight, though. Off the top of my head, I can think of Shaq, KAT, Boogie, Embiid, Dwight, and Charles Barkley (not really that big, but he was round) as guys who were not afraid of making a case for themselves as great. At the level of professional athlete, where you have proven your ability to be greater than others time and time again before reaching the NBA, I think the default is to have quite the inflated ego. It's guys like David Robinson, Duncan, Jokic, and Curry who are the exception.
This team really feels like a modern iteration of the Spurs. They have a superstar that isn't flashy but is a big presence at the post, a solid PG that can pass and shoot, and a good coach and supporting cast that contributes well in offense and defense. Plus, the excellent passing from Murray and Jokic.
INB4 PEYTON WATSON KAWHI 2.0
Solid PG? T Parker is an all star, finals MVP and hall of famer. When he was younger, he used to lead the league in pts in the paint. No one was faster with the ball than him.
Jokic is definitely flashier than Tim Duncan
@@Kevinschart Did he ever put up this kind of production in the playoffs? The year he won it they were so balanced. Also, In my opinion, Jamal has BECOME a better defender than Parker. Wasn't always the case...
@@debas3dare you seriously asking if Tony Parker ever put up this kind of production in the playoffs? The same Tony Parker who won finals MVP in 2007?
Watching this as a Heat fan shows me how well the Nuggets executed to the point where it felt inevitable. I’m proud the Heat got this far but the Nuggets are the best team they’ve faced these playoffs
Heat doing it all right btw, they put a great fight and really try everything. All these games were close. Simply, you have less guys in rotations, and no real big man. Great season tho.
It’s crazy huh! Spo and the heat have some great pieces. Joker can’t defend bam all that well, but your starting back court needs to move to the bench
Gordon's play over pretty much the whole playoffs has been amazing to watch. I always felt like he was sorely underutilized, and languishing in a system that just didn't match his play, when in Orlando. Seeing him, on the complete opposite end of things, in a system built perfectly for him to thrive, has been a thing of beauty.
Jokic got me back to actually playing basketball... After five years of playing roll man and low post, I got bored... he made he realize I could play a whole other game - even though I'm getting older, slower and less athletic every year.
It's such a pleasure to see him play. He reminds me of Zidane, he plays like a number 10, coordinating the attack, finding the right angle, the right pass, and like Zidane he's "slow".
He's not slow. He just plays on another rhythm than everybody else.
It's impossible to see his goalie technique and not think that football/soccer has made him a better basketball player.
I see the water polo player in him making him different from the U.S. players.
i caught my first joker game early this season...i've been raving about him ever since. i love watching him play.
this is an AI response ,made by gpt probably ...
@@markocvetanovic5311 Curious what make's you say that, either asking if a human or ai wrote it, it leans towards whichever direction the question is asked.
@@jasonanderson6232 Jokic would be a monster at set, teams would double/triple team him every time and he’d still get lots of goals and assists
That foot action to disrupt the pass is genius. There’s no foul called for it so it just another great way to defend pick and roll.
When I watched the game last night I didn’t realize that it was Jokic’s foot that forced the Lowry turnover. 😂
serbians play a different level of basketball 🤣🤣
Jokic leads the league in kicks
yeah but why is that not a foul? its obviously not a basketball play. Props to Jokic for abusing it but this doesn't make any sense to me.
@@alexqq14 because it can be accidental and it's difficult to distinguish what is and what isn't, so it can't be a foul. However, the team does get a clock reset, so it can be to their advantage also, if there's a few seconds on the clock
I love your analysis, because you break down a play and can make it look simple
yeah you need it broken down simply
@@KobeLoverTatum bruv you watching the same video...
@@cameronbernardo i didnt agree it was a simple explanation, just that what he needs it explained simply 🤡 just as you need all this explained bozo
And many people slandered Jokić for the past playoffs, when he played with players that are literally out of the league right now. Campazzo was the backup pointguard! Third option on the team was Will Barton, who can't get minutes in Wizards. He got some help and look, he proved everyone wrong.
Got some help from the rest of the NBA eliminating all the good teams 😂😂😂😂
@@jogendron6320 Weak troll
@@jogendron6320 They weren't really good teams then
NBA fans think it's a 1-on-1 sport, for some reason.
@@uberneanderthal they’re worse than other sports for sure.
“X player is no good cos he never won a ring” - you could put Bill Russell, MJ and LeBron on the same team but if the rest of the team were rec level players they’d never win a game
1:35 this is incredible, seeing this in real-time during a game with the improved outcome later, thank you for highlighting this
I love it when a league's narrative is accustomed to teams having to force shots and rely on 1v1s possessions to make baskets because "That is the way", then the Nuggets come, execute everything they can with cohesive squad control over the potential casuality of events, and everyone is obviously marveled. The Nuggets rely beautifully on everyone's good faith. This is why they win games. They don't just dance with the devil. They believe on eachother, making eachother believe on their tools. I still remember when a friend of mine sent me the clip of a Jokic assist in november 2016. He just makes everything in his own way, from the way he expresses himself to the cheering to the body language, and everyone loves him. He looks like a natural. The Neon Honey
Also see: Spurs, Warriors, Mavs
This team is so fun to watch! It's a shame I've seen so few games from them this season (although they were my favorite at the start of the playoffs). But the way this team was constructed around Jokic and Murray, the chemistry between those two, the way they keep the rest of the team productively involved, the way they *all* execute offense and defense... it's like watching the 2015 warriors again. I'd be a Sonics fan if they still existed but I think even if they were still around I couldn't help being excited for these guys.
It is...Everyone equally contributes to team's winning. Sometime the role player screw the crap when it needs the most, but Denver all 5 men deliver their portion. I dont know its from their unique chemistry or believing in.
It is scary how the Nuggets are winning comfortably when MPJ shot like crap in all 4 games.
Imagine MPJ&KCP shooting lights out for just one game... 30+ points blowout every time.
MPJ has massive size tbf. if heat could have a big player getting rebounds and defending that shot badly they wouldnt mind him.
Also goes to show that MPJ isn't at that level as a scorer/shooter like Murray. Granted he made HUGE strides with his shooting in the regular season and spots in the playoffs. But if he becomes more vocal about increasing his role and touches, I don't think the Nuggets wouldn't be afraid to move him out as long as they can get a similar role type piece that can do similar things he does.
I'm glad somebody said it. It's not only the starters who win championships, the bench players are just as vital too.
I love the adjustment MPJ made. he missed a lot of point blank layups, but he was being aggressive while the 3 pt shot wasn't falling. eventually he found his rhythm and started scoring the ball. Denver is playing actual basketball. Primarily looking for the shot in the pt, looking for the mid range, THEN shooting the 3 when it's open.
glad you pointed how good jokic was on defense in this game, wish the foolish talking heads would watch stuff like this and get informed. great video as always
I mean Jokic averages more than 10 rebounds a game. He must be doing at least something right on defense.
the narrative is that he's a turnstile on defense, this video pointed out the subtle ways he makes impact defensive plays...that's what i'm referring to
yeah it makes me upset when i see people posting that just because it's what they heard. it's similar to how so many people were saying that steph curry was horrible on defense. both players hustle and stay on top of their rotations. Poor defenders just let the play collapse because they weren't paying attention or didn't want to hustle into position. he might not be a total ball stopper all the time, but he can hound players into giving the ball up or taking a tough shot, which plenty for someone who is doing as much as he does on offense.
At 2:15 you can also see Jokic instructing KCP to do a lob pass to Gordon with his finger.
Anyone remember when ACL injuries were career ending? Good for Murray coming back better than ever. 💯
Its less career ending but a huge blow for players who leaned *HEAVILY* into their athleticism. If you watched the Murray video from Ben bout 3 weeks ago, a lot of his game is great footwork, great shooting form and a mental tenacity with his scoring. Durant also recovered from one and it hasn't stopped him shooting over damn near everyone else that is too short to defend him.
What else can Miami do? Denver is on another level.
This is the best basketball channel out there, seriously. Applying nuance in analysis of the game. So much NBA discourse is utterly thoughtless nowadays and it's incredibly boring listening to anybody talk basketball except on this channel.
Not bad for Jokic's runner up MVP, and Mike Malone's Seventh place finish as COY
I cannot see how anybody cannot enjoy this style of basketball. The game is BETTER now than it has EVER been.
The reality is, Miami has no answer for Jokic if he’s playing well and anyone else has a pulse. He has an answer for every situation. Can’t double him because he’s too good a passer, can’t drop off him because he’s way too good a shooter and he’s big in the post. He was robbed of that 3rd mvp and I’m a Sixers fan.
For real, a bball player has ways to succeed when their shot isn't dropping. I think MPJ is a good example. He's been shooting like trash, but he is still hustling. If Jokic doesn't score a ton, or even get a lot of assists, he is still contributing.
Jokic did surprise many opponents by using his secret weapon- Shaq-style scoring. No one can stop him no matter if he is double-teamed.
@@shorewall MPJ has really impressed me despite his shot falling off a cliff. He's really good at cutting and his defense is a problem for Miami. We are simply too big and skilled on top of everything else.
@@jonathanikeda8727 If you watched him in the playoffs before you already knew about his scoring prowess.
I don't think Jokic cares about the regular season MVP that much. His style of play would lend that kind of recognition in the regular season anyway for those voters. The real gold Jokic strives for now is just 1 game in front of him. Meanwhile Embiid can hoard all those MVP trophies he wants but he gotta suck it up knowing he's dead weight in the playoffs.
Jokic is pure basketball genius and poetry, his knowledge and understanding of the game and all it's nuances are immaculate
Ben I thought Christian Braun aggressiveness gave the nuggets the blueprint, Bruce brown and Gordon step up the aggressiveness and attacked
Bruce has been a sparkplug attacking off the bench all year. He has more points than all the other bench guys combined in the playoffs. It was definitely Braun following Brown not the other way.
One thing that gets overlooked a lot when evaluating Jokic' defense is that his "low blocks" with relatively static positioning and no jumping might be a bit less effective than the quick repositioning and high contests of the likes of Bam and Giannis, but on the other side, it also means that he always has a headstart for the rebound. It is probably a bit difficult to measure but by the eye test, I would say Jokic gives up more points in the paint than elite rim protectors but also prevents more second chance points than most centers in the league, should the first attempt miss. That doesn't get him in the all defense tier but he is still much better defensively than one might suspect.
Yeah I think what you're saying tracks. In the regular season he was 3rd in total defensive rebounds. Also when he gets the rebound (usually in great position already with how he tracks the ball) he's a one man transition basket starter. Albeit more efficient than guys like Randle, Giannis or Domas who were also top 10 in defensive rebounds in transition basket starters off a rebound like that. He applies the same thing on the offensive boards though with how well his team shoots and position themselves, clankers off the glass or the rim are just cleanup baskets for Jokic that seems like a credited assist.
So happy to see this basketball style come back
There is no “supporting cast”-this is the TEAM OF THE NUGGETS. Every player on this team fills their position when it matters, that is why they are the greatest. Not because of some statistical anomalies or freaks of nature, but because the Nuggets have built an entire TEAM. Lets take it in 5! 🎉
And took it in 5 they did.
And Denver's core has been with Coach Malone for years.
So they are very familiar with each other.
Adding Gordon as a versatile defender and a good cutter has paid wonderful dividends.
That is the real "Trust the Process" project.
This team is really what they call a family. They dont care who shoots, they just want the highest percentage shot. They cover each other up on defense. Such a fun team to watch.
This is closest to the 90's basketball where they dont rely or force 3's.
Thanks for all the hard work you did putting the video together
I just want to take a moment to appreciate the straight balling going on. High level basketball from both sides with no whining, no flashiness or flopping. Just two teams giving it their all. Great basketball.
This is so true. We always look at stars, but when defenses are designed to stop them or slow them down, role players end up playing a key role, especially as series go on. If those guys can't ball, you're done.
The Nuggets are a dream team imho similar to the Warriors, great team ball led by a generational talent with all players being unselfish playing fully team oriented basketball and I love it. I would also like to mention that even if the Heat lose, they can still be proud of their playoff run. They are an amazing team all things considered and I hope to see the make deep playoff runs the next few years.
6:20 joker and murray happy for brown...great team
This is the first video I’ve watched of you, and I’m very impressed with the breakdown of the plays. Well done sir, you’ve earned a sub
In some ways those Jokic “blocks” are more valuable as often times it means the ball is going the other way whereas traditional blocks end in the stands, which is cool, but also means ball stays with the offensive team.
The greatest robbery this season is not giving Jokic MVP
Kendrick perkins will never be forgiven for what he has done to an entire year of mvp voting...Tarnished by bringing up something that has no place in sports.
For me the MVP candidates are good... I have no complain who of the top would win, what pisses me off is narrative going to the voting.
His team was 6th last year..cant give it now when he has best teammates
If the MVP trophy was important to Jokic he would have gotten it. Instead he spent the season passing up shots to get his guys confidence. Of the players that played the previous season was only Jeff Green and AG, everyone else was new or coming back from injury. Jamaal wasn't strong in the 4th quarter till almost the all star game. Jokic sitting out games at the end of the season gave the rest of the team a lot of touches and game time going into the playoffs. He could have played those games and taken more shots, instead he gave multiple teammates their most efficient shooting season.
@@jasonanderson6232 Both Jamal and Jokic upped their assist numbers this year. Everyone eating is the best strategy.
On the KCP to AG lob did you notice Jokic called the lob to AG without even looking at him because he knew how. the defense would react
One of my bball pet peeves is when people confuse the lack of all-star teammates as having "no help." Thanks for this vid.
Jokic's hand-eye coordination is insane. He's not a shot blocker per se, but his quick hands, size, standing reach and strength make him such a good paint defender. He's such a unique and incredible player to watch.
that KCP possession was CRAZY
One of the most likeable teams ever.
Perfect breakdown and analysis as usual. Keep up the quality work!
Jokic is something else man. His understanding of the mechanics of the court is off the charts
To simply put, MIAMI needs a PERFECT GAME to have a chance, every small movement and mistake Jokic makes the Heat pay.
How? Denver Nuggets' offensive plays are too much confusing and complex with many screens, cuttings and openings. No wonder how Miami Heat had lost their confidence in playing the games. Frankly, Nuggets' offense is at the different level.
@@jonathanikeda8727 They need another 50% lights out shooting to win a game (like in the second) whilst Denver is shooting less 30%.
Miami offense needs to be better, their defense is pretty good but there's only so much you can slow Denver down. Need to create more easy scoring opportunities and make them!
Pretty much. The Heat need another anomalous shooting game to force the Nuggets to play at a higher scoring pace. I don't know if they have it in them considering the Nuggets are also due for a big shooting game themselves. Sure MPJ has been ass but with the Heat trailing in this Finals, they do NOT want a lights out shooting game from him or the other Nuggets shooters.
First Jxmy, then Coach Nick, then Thinking BBall in quick succession, man I love the NBA Finals!
Loved seeing Jokic getting fired up on the sidelines when Brown was going off. Great team, fully deserves to win the title
Denver just always looks alert in each play. You can see such a solid mindset when they play. They’re not getting bogged down by any flaws or mistakes, just focussed on the next play and next opportunity. Players and people could learn a lot from that.
Full respect to the Heat, but Denver is just the better team with the best player on the planet right now.
Murray 12 assists 0 turnovers is insane
Elite playmaking. I wish he develops it more and averages 20-10 in the next season. It would free up Nikola for more scoring and would make Denver offense even more efficient.
@@ivan24zg Jokic's play making is more efficient. And being taller, he sees the floor better so he can hit some difficult ass passes like the no look quick ones in traffic or even skip passes that smaller play makers struggle hitting a dude from across the court. What counts is that Murray's handles are just as good to probe against defenses which gives the Nuggets 2 guys with elite handles. Also helps Aaron Gordon's handles are decent enough in certain matchups and he's also a willing passer.
That play at 6:35... just amazing teamwork.
5:25 i remember watching this, what a hustle. Defense often overlooked in NBA but it comes up huge in the playoffs.
2:16 when Jokic cuts to the middle and points up saying to lob it to AG it was so good. The man controls the game even when he isn’t touching the ball. The epitome of making everyone around you better. And recognizing Gordon as well for being a PERFECT compliment to everyone else on this team. The trade for Gordon won them a championship (among other things, of course). Excited to see how the new draft picks do this year.
kCP and AG were great. And what a 4th by Bruce Brown
This is the best basketball channel on UA-cam, and second place is distant. Please keep doing this for the rest of my life. :)
This vid is one of the best commentaries of game 4.
this years Nuggets is like a dream team! no injuries and the quality of role players hungry for their own chip (2ndfor kcp if ever they win this series)! the addition of AG, kcp, brown, braun are really solid! they are great 2way players on their positions and the lack of someone being a diva within the team seems really new as they are focus on team basketball atm. hope this team sticks for years!
Thank god.
I was prepared to take up arms if AG was not on the thumbnail
Perfect breakdown. Thank you.
Denvers versatility is quite impressive. Obviously you have jokic, but Murray is also very versatile. He can be a scorer, a playmaker, can play off ball, can defend fairly well. Their role players are involved in so many little actions that utilise their skillset. Gordon's athleticism, Bruce browns ability to drive on less agile defenders. They seem to be masters when it comes to exploiting what an offence gives them, their players are all so smart, not just jokic.
When it comes to the modern spacing game, having multiple great ball handlers is a big thing. Not just connective passers whom the Nuggets at the core are already good at. That is why when Jokic and Murray are cooking on all cylinders, they can get around how the Heat want to defend them. Then you factor in Gordon's good handles and his passing when the Heat are trying to lock down the Nuggets Big Two and that helps opens the gates on offense. Granted the rest of the players may not make their shots but when they do, there is no defending this Nuggets teams because not only are they too big, but they can come at you at all angles or feast on easy mismatches for buckets.
Is it bad that i enjoy watching your videos more than watching the actual game? 😅 Seeing all the nuance and detail you point out just elevates my appreciation for basketball. Thank you for your hard work!!!
Please do another top 10 players series like u did from 2019-2021. I loved it
Best film analyst in the game!
Excellent content
Great to see Jokic finally getting recognised as an above average defender. Sure, we all remember the memes from last years' playoffs when he was abused in the pick and roll, but with a good system and good complimentary players, he has excelled in playing his role in the defensive sets. His basketball IQ is so high and he's way fitter than people think he is.
Yes; supporting casts are important, but one needs to play a style that unlocks and keeps them involved all the time. You once detailed the rise of heliocentric offenses, in which I say the ball dominant style is not conducive in helping your teammates thrive. It is why LeBron's team struggle without him on the court per se as he has built a culture of dependence on him and it is mainly true for any star who "doesn't have enough help".
When you have a star like Curry or Jokic; everyone knows what to do because they've practiced it and those repetitions allow them not to be flustered when call upon hence why both can have a "bad game" and still blowout the opposition in the FINALS.
Cant wait for the jokic all time breakdown either next video or podcast
incredible video
Jokic is essentially a coach on the floor. These are without a doubt two of the smartest teams in the NBA.
Great breakdown.
Well done
Just seeing the way Joker explained to Gordon what to do to beat the trap convinces me that he is a savant.
Jokic here playing Basketball, volleyball, water polo, American football, and football, all at the same time
Don't forget the most important, chess
1:45 That's amazing!!!
Andre Igoudala and Shaun Livingston supporting casts was the Golden State Warriors secret ingredients for the Warriors dynasty.
They don’t have that now without them.
Oh man Thinking Basketball and Jimmy Highroller both dropping vids. todays a good day
Your cerebral analysis of the game is truly remarkable.
If you look at the box score and play by play of the game, the statistician somehow did not count the play at 3:20 an assist for Jokic. Makes me wonder how many stats and records are completely off if they can miss something this obvious
Turnovers really hurt the Heat.. and the way Gordon player in first q was freaking glorious
Holy moly, Jokic figured out what Miami were doing in second position of the night. God damn that guy is smart.
Real Basketball Content.
Jokics' IQ is just insane... its shining throughout these playoffs... just look how he actually reads the game even without ball, without looking at Gordon and just signaling to KCP (who was actually already passing the ball, props to him)... here at @2:15 INSANE!
Bruh, Jok's one finger "dude is behind me wide open lob that shit while not even looking at his teammate is amazing".
Denver is literally playing fundamental basketball n it’s so beautiful to watch. No deep curry 3 pointers! Just real team ball!
insane game
These young boys all deserved a ring because of their sterling performance in the hardcourt.Ball rotations is the key not only to one player shooting in the 3 pt lane..DNuggets in 5🏆
You made me think different about basketball ❤️