David Adelman defends Nikola Jokic after subpar Game 3 showing

Rewritten Article:

Nuggets coach stands by Jokic after off shooting night

Even on a rare off-night for star player Nikola Jokic, head coach David Adelman continues to show his unwavering support. Amidst an 8 for 25 shooting performance and missing all 10 of his 3-point attempts in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic still managed to contribute with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Yet, such numbers would usually be celebrated, but not for Jokic, who regularly posts triple-doubles effortlessly.

Adelman humorously joked at the post-game press conference, "And Nikola's 'off night,' I mean 20-16-6 just an awful NBA night." However, he went on to explain that stats can sometimes be misleading, and Jokic's impact transcends the effectiveness of his shots.

When Jokic was struggling, it was the supporting cast that stepped up, led by Jamal Murray with 27 points, Aaron Gordon with 22, and Michael Porter Jr. with 21 points, smashing his 3-point record of 5 for 6.

Adelman remains adamant that despite the off-shooting night, Jokic should continue to shoot. He acknowledges that Jokic's value extends beyond just the shots he makes, claiming the ball will still find its way to him regardless of how the night unfolds.

According to Adelman, Jokic's defensive rebounding was also prominent in Game 3. So, even when shots aren't falling, trust in the NBA's most efficient player to make a comeback in Game 4.

Enrichment Data:

Key Statistics:

Points: Jokic's tally of 20 points may seem disappointing given his standards, but it was still a significant contribution to the team's victory.
Rebounds and Assists: Amidst the off-shooting night, Jokic still managed to claim 16 rebounds and 6 assists, contributing significantly to the Nuggets' performance.

Impact on the Game:

Leadership: Despite his off-night, Jokic's intelligence and passing skills allowed him to maintain a dominant presence on the court.
Team Performance: The Nuggets' resilience and depth were showcased in Game 3, with Jokic's off-night reinforcing the team's ability to perform at a high level even with a key player struggling.

Historical Context:

NBA History: Jokic has made history in the series by consistently posting impressive performances and leading his team to crucial wins[2].

Arguably one of the NBA's most efficient players, Nikola Jokic, had an off-shooting night during Game 3, with an 8 for 25 performance and missing all 10 of his 3-point attempts, yet he still contributed significantly with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
Despite Jokic's off-night, the Nuggets' head coach, David Adelman, remains adamant that Jokic should continue to shoot, acknowledging the ball will find its way to him regardless of how the night unfolds.
The betting odds for the playoffs may shift given Jokic's shooting performance, but it's crucial to consider his impact on the game extends beyond his shooting statistics, as shown by his 16 rebounds and 6 assists in Game 3.
The supporting cast, led by Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., stepped up when Jokic was struggling, helping the Nuggets secure a victory, highlighting their resilience and depth.
Jokic's defensive rebounding was prominent in Game 3, and many argue that, although his shooting may not have been up to his usual standards, he still sets impressively high standards for himself in the NBA, as proven in previous games and series.