In the Western Conference, many teams strategize ways to refrain from a match-up with the Denver Nuggets. Sure, they have exceptional role players, a star point guard in Jamal Murray, and a system that has made winning the bare minimum, but where they are unique and better than everyone is at center.
Their superstar big man, Nikola Jokic is a seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA, and 2023 NBA champion, with three MVPs sitting next to each other. He is in the conversation to win his fourth after playing a monster 70 games for the Nuggets.
This season, he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three. These numbers and efficiency splits are unfathomable for a near seven-footer, making it easy to see why no team would want to deal with his strengths in the playoffs.
Conversely, the LA Clippers' most favorable result was to seek the Nuggets in the first round. Why? Because their general manager and head coach were relieved so close to the playoffs. This is a sign that Denver's locker room is not mentally prepared to fight with the season at stake.
Additionally, the Clippers have a player who can challenge Jokic's overall scoring abilities.
Ivica Zubac has given Nikola Jokic trouble when trying to score the rock
As the leader in points, rebounds, and assists on the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic will be the decision-maker on each possession down the court. This strategy has brought home a title for the Nuggets, and they are surely going to use it to power through the chest of the LA Clippers.
However, to minimize the impact of Jokic, head coach Tyronn Lue has a seven-foot, 240-pound beast waiting down low. This will help significantly offset the scoring and playmaking of Denver's megastar.
Moreover, Ivica Zubac is one of the NBA's big men who has not been turned into barbecue chicken by Jokic. In fact, Zubac has held the three-time MVP to 45 percent from the floor, which is the lowest field goal percentage of anyone with at least 100 attempts guarding him.
This is remarkable, but it should not surprise those paying attention to how great Zubac is on defense. He may not rack up blocks like Victor Wembanyama or lead the league in steals like Dyson Daniels, but he is extremely effective in yielding low success rates at the cup.
Nonetheless, Zubac is the NBA's Jokic-stopper and could reshape the Nuggets' game plan.