One opposing player is appointment television when Steve Kerr is flipping through NBA games on the ’ off nights: Denver center .
Kerr called Jokic “one of my favorite players in the league” because of his vision and passing ability. And the Warriors coach has seen Jokic’s wide skill set first-hand, as he recorded a triple-double (17 points, 21 rebounds, 12 assists) the last time the teams met.
“I always love watching players who just seem to be a move ahead on the chess board, and he’s one of those guys,” said Kerr, who also compared Jokic to Arvydas Sabonis “… They run everything through him and around him. He’s like the middle of the pinwheel, and you’ve got all these cutters and shooters around him. Thatap why they’re so dynamic.”
Kerr also praised the Nuggets’ offseason acquisition of Paul Millsap, whom the coach said gives Denver “a little different vibe, a little edge” thanks to his versatility and defensive toughness.
“I like what they’re doing here,” Kerr said. “They’ve got a nice, young roster, a good coach (in Michael Malone). It all seems to be coming together.”
Crunch time at the point. recently put together a terrific stretch for the Nuggets, averaging 23.3 points while shooting 60 percent from the floor and 41 percent from 3-point range against the , and .
But Murray finished with three points on 1-of-6 shooting in 21 minutes Friday against the Heat, a performance Malone described as a “dud.” Malone instead turned to and even at point guard down the stretch of the Nuggets’ victory.
Thatap life with a 20-year-old starting point guard, Malone said. And though the coach hopes Murray can grow into their consistent end-of-game contributor, Malone will not hesitate to go with Mudiay or Barton again in the fourth quarter.
“Thatap the luxury of having the roster that we have,” Malone said. “Itap gonna come down to game-by-game. Who is gonna give us the best chance to win? That guy will be the guy that closes the games.”
Malone on the free-throw shooting woes: “Guys have to get in the gym and get extra reps, get their routine. I don’t know, call the psychic network. Whatever they gotta do, we gotta try to figure that out, because it definitely is a concern at the moment.”
