Nikola Jokic and his obsession with long shots: A look at the MVP’s mentality
In the world of basketball, there are players who stand out for their skill, others for their work ethic, and then there’s Nikola Jokic, the center for the Denver Nuggets, who seems to defy conventions. In the last game, with just one second on the clock, Jokic asked for the ball after a basket by Jalen Williams that put the Oklahoma City Thunder five points ahead.
Receiving the pass from Michael Porter Jr., Jokic launched the longest shot of these playoffs, an American football-style throw from 81 feet that didn’t go in. Although the play was unsuccessful, it does reveal the competitive mentality of a player who has made historical production and efficiency seem routine.
“I don’t care about the percentage,” Jokic said. “I think everyone should shoot. Why not? It’s a chance to score, so I’ll always try.”
Nikola Jokic
This season, Jokic led the league in shots attempted from the backcourt, with 22 attempts during the regular season and seven in the playoffs. Despite not being the most effective option, the player does not worry about protecting his shooting percentages. His interim coach, David Adelman, highlights that Jokic values the opportunity to win the game above any individual statistic.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has attempted six shots from beyond the arc in the first five games of the Western Conference semifinals. He tied for the league lead with eight last season, when he won his third MVP award.
Jokic’s mentality goes beyond long shots. During a team meeting in Abu Dhabi, the player demonstrated his astuteness by questioning the league’s rules on time-wasting tactics. Jokic is a master of these types of strategies, and his intelligence on the court allows him to make decisions that benefit his team, regardless of personal statistics.
Despite not seeking individual statistics, Jokic accumulates impressive achievements. With 164 triple-doubles in his career, he ranks third in NBA history. For Jokic, what matters is winning, and he is willing to do what it takes to achieve it.
Jokic’s philosophy of not shying away from a long-distance shot, even if it’s not always successful, is part of his unique approach to the game. He has had two successful shots from the backcourt this season, demonstrating that he is willing to take risks for the possibility of scoring. His assistant coach, Ogi Stojakovic, describes this mentality as a way of respecting the game, believing that the “basketball gods” reward those who play the right way.
