Aaron Gordon gives Nikola Jokic his flowers for dominating against DPOY frontrunner Brook Lopez: "Ain't nobody stop Joker"
Aaron Gordon gave Nikola Jokic his flowers for dominating his duel against DPOY frontrunner Brook Lopez during the Nuggets' 129-106 blowout win over the Bucks on Saturday. Jokic went off for 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, shooting 50.0% and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.
Gordon made an emphatic statement as he reflected on Jokic's head-to-head with DPOY favorite Lopez, saying (via ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk):
"Ain't nobody stop Joker. I don't care if you’re the Defensive Player of the Year. It doesn't matter"
Jokic had 31 pts, 11 asts, 6 rebs in win over Giannis (31 pts, 9 rebs, 4 ast) + Bucks. Asked about Jokic vs DPOY candidate Brook Lopez (who battled foul trouble), Aaron Gordon: "Ain't nobody stop Joker. I don't care if you’re the Defensive Player of the Year. It doesn't matter"
Jokic has averaged 24.9 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 9.9 apg, shooting 63.3%, including 39.0% from 3-point range. The Serbian has been consistent with his numbers and is one of the most difficult players to guard. Brook Lopez was among the few players who could limit Jokic's impact.
The Milwaukee Bucks center has been integral in leading the Bucks to the No. 2 spot in defensive ratings (109.9 rating). Lopez is averaging 2.5 bpg this year, with a personal defensive rating of 106.6 across 72 games. Lopez also has the second-best defensive win-share rate in the NBA (0.145).
However, none of that mattered against Nikola Jokic, who continued putting up another offensive clinic and looked comfortable even with Lopez on the floor. The latter eventually wrapped up his night early after the Nuggets' 34-19 third quarter. Lopez had issued four fouls by then, limiting him to only 19 minutes of play.
Nikola Jokic and Denver Nuggets rediscover mojo with huge win over Milwaukee Bucks in battle of the top seeds
The Denver Nuggets' home game against the Milwaukee Bucks was highly anticipated as it was a battle between the top seeds and two of the top three MVP candidates. The Nuggets have led the West with a 50-24 record, while the Bucks are No. 1 in the East with a 53-21 record.
The Nuggets were the underdogs due to five losses in their past nine outings. Meanwhile, the Bucks were on an 8-2 run. Critics raised eyebrows over Denver's lack of form, especially with its glaring defensive weaknesses.
However, Nikola Jokic and Co. took care of business at home with a solid second-half effort against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nuggets entered the break trailing by three points. However, they tightened things up defensively to start the third while continuing to run their offense efficiently and never looked back.
Denver restricted Milwaukee to 31.0% shooting in the second half while making 54.8% of its shots. The Nuggets took a 66-40 advantage to seal a 23-point win, a shocking margin considering how close the game was in the opening 24 minutes.
Nikola Jokic received excellent support from his co-stars, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., who scored 26 and 19 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the Milwaukee Bucks' best player, as he bagged 31 points and nine rebounds on 59.1% shooting.
Denver limited him to only seven points in the second half on 2-of-8 shooting, which swung the tie in its favor.