Nikola Jokic Praises Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ahead of Nuggets-Thunder Semifinals Showdown…
Ahead of the Western Conference semifinal opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic spoke highly of Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting what makes him such a dynamic and difficult player to defend.
Though much of the spotlight is on Jokic in this series, Gilgeous-Alexander — another top MVP candidate — is expected to pose a serious challenge. Jokic acknowledged the difficulty in stopping him, emphasizing how effortlessly Gilgeous-Alexander scores.
“There’s no real defense that can shut him down,” Jokic told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “He’s unique. He plays at multiple speeds and makes scoring look effortless. Even when you think the defense is solid, he just finds a way. His change of pace, rhythm, and ball control are elite. He can shoot the midrange, drive past defenders, post up — he’s truly special.”
Earlier in the season, Denver split a back-to-back series in Oklahoma City, including a tough 127-103 loss. After bouncing back with a 140-127 win, Jokic reflected on the MVP conversation.
“I feel like I’m playing the best basketball of my career,” Jokic said. “If that’s enough, great. If not, [Shai] deserves it — he’s been incredible.”
In that win, Jokic posted 35 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists, while Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Jokic Makes Playoff History with Triple-Double Feat
Jokic also made history in the previous round against the LA Clippers. Having become just the third NBA player to average a triple-double over a season — joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook — Jokic became the first to win a playoff series in the same season with that achievement.
He averaged 24.0 points (on 50% shooting), 11.6 rebounds, 10.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game as the Nuggets edged out the Clippers in a 4-3 series win, capped by a 120-101 Game 7 victory.
Now, Jokic leads Denver into a high-stakes clash against a well-rested Thunder team that swept the Grizzlies in the first round. Game 1 takes place Monday at the Paycom Center.
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