Inside The Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Reacts to Viral Play in Lakers vs. Nuggets

Austin Reaves' gamble didn't pay off in the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game

Joey Linn

Nikola Jokic Reacts to Viral Play in Lakers vs. Nuggets
Nikola Jokic Reacts to Viral Play in Lakers vs. Nuggets /
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With just over a minute left in Thursday night's game between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, Austin Reaves gambled on a steal while Nikola Jokic had the ball, leading to a wide open three for Michael Porter Jr. to secure the win:

It was a risky play by Reaves that did not pay off, as Jokic's court awareness allows very little room for gambles like this. The play has been going viral on social media, because fans are wondering how Jokic knew Reaves was sneaking up behind him. 

While Porter was trying to alert Jokic of Reaves doubling, Jokic told reporters after the game he didn't hear his teammate, and just sensed the double. Expanding on this, Jokic said, "I just felt something behind me, and I just basically threw a pass to Mike. It seems like a good play, but it just happened."

Never too impressed with himself, Jokic did not make much of his spectacular play, calling it "just a pass" despite his teammates all crediting him for the incredible awareness. 

Plays like this are what make Jokic so special. While he can score at will in the post, he can also pick apart double teams and find the open man every single time. This separates him from other stars in the league, and it also separates the Nuggets from many other contenders.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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