Is this the way to stop Nikola Jokic?

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Here are those "roaming" schemes on More Thinking Basketball : Zion (kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqbFmnyfaM-Jhck) and Davis (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eImkhWNvntmNmrM)

[@anthonycelestin3559]

Ben Taylor I don’t know if you know Darryl Morey. But if you meet Darryl Morey, tell Morey to either release Montrezz Harrell or trade Montrezz for draft picks to leave cap space to sign Lamarcus Aldridge. I am a 76ers fan and I feel all the 76ers needs is a backup C. Aldridge is the perfect fit that they need. Do everything in your power to let Darryl Morey know to sign Lamarcus Aldridge

[@deyantodorov6775]

P.J. Tucker has been contributing on a top seed in either conference every season since 2018 and has been an amazing defender

[@verward]

Yes, but that is also a 2-way street. He has constantly being acquired by the best teams. He is a really solid guy to round out your roster.

[@terrypanama8004]

Yeah, an ideal role player, just like Robert Horry, with less luck

[@negadelph]

While I think PJ has underperformed on the offensive end, I think he's playing the Ben Simmons role with a twist - he's not the point and he's actually shooting 3's. Jokic was getting the better of Joel in the first half but the second half sealed it. They won a game they normally would have lost in other years. Huge adjustment and kudos to whoever thought of the adjustment.

[@p00lboy]

@@terrypanama8004 your comment before i was here

[@kb4231]

We sure do miss him here in Miami

[@njubek769]

Doc Rivers actually remembered he is coach?! That was great adjustment

[@metalsadman]

ikr

[@georgiosyiannakou5537]

facts! I don't trust neither him or Harden in the playoffs. Many of Harden's passes were sloppy and when playing against elite defensive teams like Bucks or Celtics you will pay for it. Great game though from Embiid!

[@tj5180]

Can't believe he outplayed malone lol

[@tj5180]

@@georgiosyiannakou5537 harden stats have dipped in the post season and has had countless games where he was horrible. People act like he wasn't bad vs the heat in 2022

[@ollytropics1735]

Bro he's great till game five

[@wojciechbalcerzak7395]

The 2-2 zone was really special, you can truly see the mind of a championship coach Glenn Rivers working full time on that play.

[@chrilpy]

It woke up for the first time in 13 years

[@jsim519]

Doc is a terrible coach

[@mayfort8573]

@@jsim519 if your team is up 3-1 in the playoffs and doc is your coach, you better be prepared to choke the series

[@vikramkrishnan6414]

And then people say Harden isn't a great defender 😉

[@anshkaushik7920]

@@vikramkrishnan6414 he’s not wtf he’s arguably the worst defender at his size

[@6manYT]

Jokic has historically had some trouble with smaller more physical defenders guarding him, the likes of Draymond, Grant Williams and PJ tucker. He figured out how to score against both Draymond and Grant after their first few matchups but the extra physicality that is allowed when a smaller defender is guarding him seems to throw him off. They're pretty much able to upend him and throw his balance off by using their hands a lot. Will be interesting to see how he adjusts in their next matchup, id expect more faceups and deeper post positions.

[@kylehowe6761]

Ayyy make another Jokic video!

[@6manYT]

@@kylehowe6761 Hahah yessir working on it.

[@chrissullivan6572]

Reminds me of Dirk in the GS series. That lower center of gravity and active hands make it tuff sometimes

[@beedebawng2556]

Jokic has trouble with physicality, period. When Dwight Howard was guarding him in the bubble, he couldn't handle it, either.

[@guybartlett9587]

Yes averaging a triple double the league has really been fucking with him! ha ha ha

[@JayLoveQueenofBeats]

I'm impressed by Doc with this game in particular. He actually made an adjustment during the game! He's got my boys rollin'!

[@apples874]

A broken clock is right twice a day

[@daddyfuse50]

Except against the Magic

[@charlesjames1702]

The ball pressure PJ put on Jokic was great too so he couldn’t just walk into the elbow or make easy face up passes

[@tellsteveharveyidontwanthe2283]

he was litteraly fouling him the entire game same thing green did in the last playoffs thats why he had issues on his lower back

[@domingow.17]

This always bothered me why teams just let jokic trot up the court without pressure. Any other elite playmaker would see at least a body by the time they reached half court.

[@charlesjames1702]

@@tellsteveharveyidontwanthe2283 👍🏾ok Buddy

[@AtmosphericAtmosphere]

It is just one game...on the road...came after 5 strait triple doubles...so you think you are onto something?

[@charlesjames1702]

@@AtmosphericAtmosphere ain’t that big of a deal bro. No need for excuses, no one cares 👍🏾

[@hexmark21]

Doc implementing in-game adjustments? Has he finally turned a corner?

[@sgshumblecrumb6046]

Made my heart skip a beat.

[@Alex-sq8xm]

Someone else must have forced him to do it, there's just no way

[@superdestructo]

It's possible that PJ asked for the assignment

[@B_Lo95]

😂😂😂😂 FACTS as a 76er fan I feel like I’m in the twilight zone.

[@johnmarkson1990]

i mean the 76ers are doing amazing this season. he is probably making ingame adjustments all season. just media narrative wont agkoledge it

[@Jenkees7]

06:12 - 06:34 That whole sequence just killed me. It's so fitting, that it's Harden who just sits on the bench as an active player, too.

[@Idedu101]

Thybulle was supposed to check in but for some reason was just waiting at the scorers table

[@kevindevlieger300]

The coach his reaction is also hilarious. *"4 players?.. wait a minute".. Looks at bench: "James, get your ass on the floor!!"*

[@ThinkingBasketball]

I kept cracking up trying to record the voice over.

[@DrANashADay]

@@ThinkingBasketball 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@thatonedesperateguythatask1880]

aaron gordon is putting up efficient numbers this season, 38.9% from three and still the 'weakest shooter', that surprises me alot

[@datboiimoody]

Man the nuggets offense is nuts. Hence why the weakest shooter still at 39% frm 3.

[@yellow1431]

I think cuz he doesnt shoot them that often he scores in the paint most of the time

[@Thanosdidtherighthing]

Shooting is more than just raw%’s.

[@Steps.To.Sucess]

@@datboiimoody they still lost even though they have great offensive impossible to play jokic in crunch time he is a liability on defense end guards will hunt for him in iso match ups

[@leoclassics5313]

@Francisco Pizarro facts we all know who to leave open when the game is on the line.

[@dimelo58]

That 2 2 zone is deadly

[@Qub3rs]

Love these X's & O's videos... these adjustments that change the game... great video...

[@gotseoul123]

Always coming in with the highest quality breakdowns and analysis on KZbin. Many thanks!

[@dwaynecamacho3007]

Good film analysis as usual - to me, Jokic also didn't do himself any favors against them in the 2nd half by being so passive; there were a number of possessions where it didn't look like he was trying to shoot, including some possessions where he tried to lob it to a wing or even a guard deep in the paint instead of just shooting the floater or 10-12 foot jumper, which is usually money for Jokic; I think more generally, when you got a smaller guy on you, you just can't be so passive like that, because passing out of a mismatch so much is playing right to their defense and the defense having more advantageous matchups against the other 4 players on the court

[@richatlarge462]

Very good point. He should have attacked and gone to the stripe for some FTs.

[@gomores1]

He can't really do what he normally does because pj is still strong but pretty nimble too would steal the ball if jokic tried his usual moves

[@TreBeL1000]

Jokic has to shoot on pj. I kno u not supposed to shoot over smaller players but pj too strong and quick hands on perimeter. Jokic would tear him up in the paint but embiid as a help defender prevents that. Gotta shoot

[@Gnofg]

@@TreBeL1000 What a smaller physical player does against all big men who want to dribble is take away their first step. Big guys dribble well against other big men. They don't dribble so well against someone who can steal the ball and beat them too the spot.

[@ollytropics1735]

Also I think it'd be interesting to make a video dedicated to role players. Like he top 15 role players for championship teams to look to get. Examples in the league right now would be PJ Tucker, Tyus Jones, Kendrich Williams etc. Also since nba awards and what not have names it'd be cool to see you giveshout out to all time all nba role players like prime time Danny Green

[@austingreen1274]

This is reminiscent of the Rui as the “Joker stopper”. Dude didn’t even break a sweat lol.

[@masterbop7885]

Man this channel is a hidden gem. I love watching you break down these games and plays 😁

[@ice-coldspear9193]

hidden in plain sight

[@nolandesmond9744]

I remember the Celtics having some success implementing this strategy against Denver in the past where Grant Williams would guard Jokic and Robert Williams or Al Horford would protect the paint to stop layups and lobs.

[@PeterYangMN]

Yes, I think a lot of teams have been picking up on this recently. MIN beat DEN and held Jokic in check earlier this season with Slo Mo as the primary defender and Gobert as the roamer. And Utah started guarding KAT the same way few years ago with Bogdanovic after KAT lit up Rudy for 7 threes.

[@joshuad24]

@@PeterYangMN Yea also last year in the playoffs the warriors did well having Draymond guard him.

[@Blorbifink]

Saw this tactic a lot last year watching the Wolves. Teams would defend KAT with a four, and have their 5 play zone on Vanderbilt, with an emphasis on rim protection. But it only works if guys don't make shots. Milwaukee used this against Boston in the playoffs, but Grant Williams made his shots and it cost them.

[@Dnero518]

More incredible content. As a lifelong nba fan I still learn so much from your channel. Thanks.

[@TheTEN24]

This was a great adjustment and you can tell it bothered Jokic.

[@tomsugars566]

everyone is going to try this now guy knows he is in for a hard time

[@bruceharding2986]

@Tom Sugars come on dude they didn't stop jokic they did good job buy jokic just didn't shot and he only missed 4 shots when he did

[@howdareyouexist]

@@tomsugars566 try and fail lmao

[@_wael]

oh no an elite big in the paint, advanced stat nerds devastated.

[@B_Lo95]

As a 76ers fan the fact doc rivers has been making good decisions feels like I’m in the twilight zone hahaha

[@max4296]

Glad the Nuggs got to experience playing against this sort of tactic in the 2nd half. Lots to learn from. Shouldn't be too tough to counter-strat putting a small on a 2x MVP center.

[@swirvithanplatt3743]

If I were a nuggets fan, I'd be happy to see Jokic and the team get cooked like this every now and then. This game gave them more to learn than any other game this season. It's good to take some tough losses in the regular season and Jokic/Malone are smart enough to counter when it matters most.

[@RGates33]

@@swirvithanplatt3743 24-8-9 is getting cooked these days? Sixers shot 51% from 3, if they shoot their season average of 38.5% they lose by 7. Embiid 47 points plus extremely good shooting probably had a bit more to do with it then PJ Tucker. However I do agree with the premise that some regular season loses can be good for a high achieving team to maintain focus.

[@jessefischer7899]

As a nuggets fan Im glad this game went this way lots of lessons to learn… Philly didn’t learn much they aren’t always going to shoot that well and Embiid can’t shoot 60 percent on 31 shots every game of a 7 game series. This would be an incredible finals matchup

[@Fun-mt5qk]

@@RGates33 it’s getting cooked when the other guy has nearly double your points and rebounds…

[@timholland2129]

It is nice because you know Jokic isn’t going to take this without learning. However it is going to hurt his MVP case, even if he doesn’t care about MVP.

[@cesarfadul22]

PJ Tucker has low key become the most important asset in the league. If you have PJ on your roster you're guaranteed a deep run in the playoffs. Crazy. The perfect team player. Dude just happy he can keep adding to his sneaker collection.

[@pplRretards]

I'd put Jae Crowder there along with PJ imo and I gotta believe Suns are asking for a stupid amount for a team to have not grabbed him already smh

[@smokeythebearr95]

Iguodala is similar -- warriors got to the finals w him, then he went to the Heat and brought them to the finals, back to the warriors and another finals

[@terrencesmith1333]

Your guaranteed to get out rebounded with PJ out there

[@dreamcreationmedia4000]

This was very informative. I am a nuggets fan and was very frustrated with this game.

[@racimegacar]

No worries, Jokic will adapt, u can surprise him once, but not twice...U will see second matchup in Denver. For me here bigger problem was Jokic inactivity, just 11 shots, I hate when he do that. If he hit 31 shots like Embiid, it would be W.

[@aidansalerno4895]

Unfortunately Jokic and Malone lost us that game, but we just have to get into a good rhythm and I have faith for the rest of the season and beyond

[@chriscus3683]

As a Sixers fan that was his biggest problem yesterday , there was multiple times that game he chose to dish it out when he really should’ve took it to the basket. He’s gotta be more aggressive, I’m not complaining but if you’re a Nuggets fan 1 made FG in the 4th quarter is unacceptable.

[@racimegacar]

@@chriscus3683 exactly

[@Brmba03]

Malone lost that game, he should do the same, put Gordon on Embid and let Jokic rest on def, like Embid did. This way Jokic had to play every posesion on attack and def and Embid could focus mostly on attack.

[@masmirage]

My new favorite channel. Such interesting and detailed breakdowns

[@kausly]

I actually really like this type of content, It shows that Harden is still really good and a smart player, and that Embiid still has a lot of potential to show, It also shows how good P.G Tucker IS on defense

[@kausly]

Is*

[@ericconners923]

Amazing breakdown

[@jamesonevers3262]

I think this is a really great adjustment, My first though is then how many teams in the west could emulate this in the playoffs? Maybe Memphis, having Jaren Jackson to ignore Gordon. I also think the logical adjustment would be either post Jokic in an empty side, or honestly have Jokic just play better in the second half(Yes I know great adjustment)

[@pplRretards]

Clippers have Marcus Morris and Batum, Pelicans have Herbert Jones and Nance, Mavs have Kleber, Suns have Mikal Bridges. All could play in PJs role on Jokic and they all have guys that can play Embiids role in Clippers Zubac, Pelicans Valanciunas, Mavs have Christian Wood or Powell, and Suns have Ayton. That's just a few off the top my head that they'd face in the Western conference playoffs as for the East the Celtics have done this before with Grant Williams on Jokic and Rob Williams or Horford playing rim protector! Nets could put Simmons in Jokic and Claxton as a roamer to protect the rim, Cavs could put Mobley on Jokic and Allen roaming, Heat Butler/Adebayo, Knicks Randle/Robinson and Hawks Trae Young/Capella lmfao that's a joke btw but really Hawks it doesn't matter cause they'll give up 120+ to anyone as long as Trae Young is in the court smh

[@Ryan-yu5kt]

Lakers putting Rui on Jokic and having AD roam

[@za9883]

​@@pplRretards I think the Bucks can do it too, Giannis currently plays as a roaming rim protector around Brook Lopez's paint protection and strength, having Giannis on Jokic might cancel out his effect as a roaming rim protector but he's strong and mobile enough to bother Jokic (with the height and length to not get shot over on top) while Brook's presence still protects the rim against Jokic finding easy passes to open cutters. Heat is a great call, Jimmy has the strength and Bam has the rim protection. Celtics too I dont think Wood/Powell has the rim protection or Mikal has the strength for it to work but I do think the Clippers can with Morris or Batum like you said or even with Kawhi in a pinch (which he did for the Raps in 2019, he is really strong and hard to move), Pels can with Herb or even Zion in a pinch if they need to and JV clogging the paint, Lakers can actually do it really well even with LeBron and AD playing those roles. Maybe Dillon Brooks and JJJ. The Warriors can manage with Draymond playing both roles because their guards can torch Jokic in space so much it wont even matter. Wolves could in theory with McDaniels and Gobert but I think it'd be cancelled out by KAT's man being able to blow by him on the perimeter too easily

[@pplRretards]

@@za9883 ya agree with all that except where you believe McDaniels could hold up with Jokic but not Mikal Bridges lol McDaniels while might be a couple inches taller at 6'9" the Bridges at 6'6", McDaniels is over 20 lbs lighter then what Bridges weighs at 210 lbs and McDaniels is rail thin weighing 185 pounds lol Bridges also has a massive 7'2" wingspan atleast for his 6'6" height!

[@pplRretards]

@@Ryan-yu5kt ya that way Lebron can continue his normal role on defense by defending the guy that's sits in the corner 3 lmfao 🤣

[@enzorocha2977]

Now this is what you call a proper breakdown. All those ESPN talking heads and other loudmouths on TV should hang their heads in shame for just stirring the pot and providing nothing else. All heat and no light. Superb analysis, TB, more power to ya! ;)

[@EthanSchaner]

He even drops early morning bangers!

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Great perspective and analysis on this change to fluster the joker

[@chrilpy]

Doc Rivers made a coaching adjustment for the first time in 15 years 😁

[@Monsterhouse215]

That was the best coaching I have seen doc do since he's been in Philly and now the world sees who the best big man in the NBA is

[@KD-zw7km]

The Timberwolves also played "spy Rudy" tactic and won the game in Minneapolis

[@jordanw9216]

great analysis...spot on. fun watch too. thanks for posting

[@bluefurby5251]

This one is on Malone. He should already have an adjustment prepared for this type of strategy next time. Although PJ Tucker is one of the rare smaller players who can guard Jokic because of his strength so I wonder which other team can implement something like this.

[@MFMugenZ]

no worries, we know they in a lab working on adjustments

[@Anthonydu01630]

Lakers, LeBron or even Rui can guard Jokic and AD can roam in the paint, Bucks also with Giannis and Lopez (But Giannis isn’t as strong he has a high center of gravity and Jokic bullied him many times in the post so idont know), Celtics with Grant Williams and Robert Williams, Memphis with JJJ, Dillion Brooks and Adams, Nets with Ben Simmons and Claxton or the Wolves with KAT and Gobert. Basically any team with 1 strong wing or big and a great rim protector, even Zion and Valanciunas or Mobley and Allen could do it.

[@altdelete7696]

If you look, pj was letting jokic move him on several plays. As long as u got a giant in embiid waiting in the paint you don't really need mr olympia to guard jokic. The real issue is not everyone has had a giant in the paint. In fact most don't

[@Gnofg]

@@Anthonydu01630 The thinking is to take away Jokic's first step. I have thought that this is the strategy against all big men who want to be guards. They dribble well against another big guy but they don't dribble so well against a strong smaller guy who can steal their dribble and beat the to the spot. With Giannis you should pick him up full court. Jokic only has an average post game and a double team will make his life difficult down low.

[@akivagelernter1462]

This is a really good video. Well explained 👏

[@GreedyGlo]

6:22 🤣💀 I’m speechless

[@sgshumblecrumb6046]

By golly, Doc and PJ coming through for the squad. Big ups to them.

[@AGHathaway]

Embiid is so underappreciated in the league. Should have been a starter over Durant.

[@devontefigures2289]

Stop

[@fazediamond5671]

It’s a fan vote

[@thelionofjudah77u82]

@@fazediamond5671 The comment still applies

[@rostrhamus]

Fans didn’t vote

[@far9462]

Nah. over Tatum FORSURE

[@WITHBEN]

as this is my first time watching your vids after seeing on my recommended tons of times. great channel and quick turnaround too

[@josipmarasovic2436]

only basketball thing u should watch man. this is basketball in his pure forme

[@nts4906]

Nuggets looked human in the second half and this is perfectly explained. More teams will adjust in this way now. Malone should be able to come up with a nice scheme to handle this switch though. Jokic can shoot over the smaller defenders when he is told to be in a shoot-first mentality. And that is what he will have to do against the smaller defenders, as well as pass to the other 3pt shooters.

[@imurpapa8120]

but jokic is slow so they could guard up close and affect his shot

[@nts4906]

@@imurpapa8120 he too tall and too good of a shooter. i hope these teams meet in the finals. it would be close

[@MrSuperman957]

@@imurpapa8120 Nah, he can use his shuffle to shoot over those defenders

[@sturm1780]

Jokic being in a shoot-first mentality is a complete antithesis to his entire game up to this point. He always looks to pass first. Whether Jokic will go into that mentality is a genuine question. That man showed no interest in shooting over PJ Tucker despite being one of the greatest mid-range shooters in the league, up there with KD.

[@harrygarris6921]

If every team starts doing it then it doesn't work. That's the reason why NBA teams only run zones on very rare occasions. It only works as a curveball to throw a team off guard when they weren't expecting it. Zone defense is much worse than a switching man to man defense when your opponent is prepared for it with the level of shooting in the NBA.

[@mustaphalove8934]

& as always Ben, we hope YOU're having....a great *long pause* day🏀

[@antwan1357]

Gotta give props to tucker for his amazing defense against a much taller player.

[@MlLFS4L]

Dropping a vid at 5 am is crazy😭

[@InsaneTrickShots]

it felt like jokic was just chillin this game and embiid played it like he was slighted, which he was. in a 7 game series, jokic would destroy this defensive style IMO. he just didnt try to look for his shot until it was too late. also, philly not gonna shoot 50% from 3 every game

[@Well-beingCris..]

So in a 7 game series you think joe out performs the leading scorer and player with the highest defensive win share in the league ? Embiid dominates Joe 100 times out of a 100. He can’t guard Embiid.

[@Heartbrayk.]

Just say you don't know hoops and move on...

[@ww2didnothappen]

The dickridin is crazy‼️

[@darrengordon-hill]

Plus Philly at home...

[@ww2didnothappen]

Worry about how yall are gonna hide this big fella against the talented western guards bro✌️ Remember the only deep run Jokic has ever had is when murray became mj for 2 weeks

[@Djole_NS246]

"After a battle, everyone is a general". It is easy after a game, with all the time in the world, to make such analysis. During a game, things are happening in a matter of split seconds, and one must react in instinct. But, to be serious, this game is proof how big Jokić become when 24-8-9 (in first game after injury) is considered as bad 🙂. For the huge majority of players, this would be a dream stats.

[@spagettifork8916]

PJ is such an underrated defender bro

[@metalsadman]

he isn't really, that's why he's still sought after by contending teams.

[@fateriddle14]

By who? In fact the only thing people are reminded of PJ is his defense.

[@darrengordon-hill]

He's ONLY RATED as a defender

[@darrengordon-hill]

@@fateriddle14 "Rodman is underrated as a rebounder" 🤣

[@Daryl_sniper24]

Only casuals don’t know about Tucker and his defense. He’s a big reason why the Rockets were able to go crazy with small-ball lineups

[@thomasdrew1159]

Great video!

[@symphoofficial1726]

"I guess we'll never know"

[@lillbig__]

Perfect analysis 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@nikolakrstic8079]

Jokic will adjust to this if it's a 7 game serious. I think Murray was the one who didn't do well here. He should have played PNR with Jokic and get whatever vs PJ. Or they could have played AG/Jokic PNR to negate this. They just all looked like they didn't know what to do.

[@dsess2001]

You don't get faster, jump higher or have more athleticism in a 7 game series. It is very simple. Make Denver a jump shooting team because Jokic is not blowing by anyone. He also, is not going take anyone off the dribble and is not going to jump over defenders. They neutralized him because who are you going to throw back cuts to in the paint when you have one of the most dominant rim protecters back there defending? Jokic tied to bang PJ but the help defender in the paint has Joel. He had to kick it out and the had to make shots.

[@nikolakrstic8079]

@@dsess2001 other teams did this exact same thing the 76ers did. Celtics with Horford and Williams, Jazz with Gobert etc but it never works.. last night the Nuggeta didn't adjust and through a 7 game serious they would adjust easy. After one half of trying this and grtting murdered the 76ers would stop doing it and that wouls be it.

[@kylehowe6761]

@@dsess2001 you don’t think Jokic would pick apart that scheme lol you guys really think you figured him out…lol there has never been a single matchup in the league he hasn’t figured out and he does just fine with Joel everytime they are 1v1

[@c_rock3512]

@@kylehowe6761 Joel cooks him 1 on 1 and has been for awhile. Check their stats when guarding one another.

[@dirtporcelain]

The problem is Jokic would adjust sooner than Malone would

[@taimur9522]

No it’s not a way to stop him. Jazz have done this before and Jokic figured them out. Malone was just slow to adjust yesterday and it cost the Nuggets. Using AG as the ball handler or the screen setter offsets this and allows Jokic to get O boards and post up iso.

[@VladimirElliot]

You don’t think PJ and Embiid can’t switch?😂😂 it’s a matchup problem. It’s a good thing the nuggets don’t have to play the sixers in the playoffs

[@nikolakrstic8079]

He left Jeff Green to play 20 minutes when he was HORRIBLE every second of the game while AG and MPJ only played 28 minutes... how stupid can a coach be?

[@ronmexico7256]

@@VladimirElliot Embiid can struggle to switch at times because of his poor lateral movement. All this is irrelevant anyway until Philly actually decides to show up in the playoffs for once

[@kylehowe6761]

@@VladimirElliot there has never been a match up Jokic hasn’t figured out if you really think you’re going to stop Jokic with pj tucker in a playoff series…things are gonna go really really bad for you.

[@youngmula916]

@@VladimirElliot if they switched it would be what the nuggets wanted with embid on Jokic

[@marissarice3666]

another excellent video!

[@jasonbilly5247]

All you have to do is keep attacking him on offense just stay consistent and don't let up he really doesn't like playing defense other than the occasional steal it's not really a part of his game

[@joshuad24]

Exactly you have to constantly attack a guy like Jokic a lot of Den games I watch I’m actually surprised by how little teams seem to attack him.

[@jlhewitt87]

"why don't we switch one our strongest defensive players off the other teams weakest shooter." revolutionary, Doc.. truly.

[@AP-sr2lr]

Anyone else here because they're trying to see how the Heat could limit Jokic?

[@ishungchan]

here, i'm really hoping mj son could defeat them

[@acornsucks2111]

Nice adjustment by Doc. Such moves happen all the time in a seven game series. Joker will have to post his smaller man on the block without the ball, or find a three point shooter that forces the center to come out.

[@Gnofg]

The minute he goes to the block you double team him. Jokic is an okay post player but not an outstanding one. He plays like a PG so defensively you want to take away his first step which is what the sixers did.

[@polymathecian]

Joker had seven turnovers in this game.

[@lellamas2778]

Love the analysis. You get my sub

[@AkbarAli-rl9vo]

Looking pretty sillly now

[@beedebawng2556]

Great dissection. 😊

[@svonhershman]

great breakdown. one of the most frustrating things about this team is how they don't adjust against a good team, and this game was huge in showing how capable they are at doing this if they execute. tucker was HUGE tonight.

[@timholland2129]

Embiid did amazing , tucker did pretty good. But the adjustment is what won them the game.

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

Can tell at the end of the game big man know big man got alot of respect for 1 another

[@mrcheapitem]

Watch AD and the Lakers do this too!

[@petarpavic112]

Yeah and joker is stupid and he can't adjust and anticipate this defense, this Philly defense was surprise for him not anymore

[@howdareyouexist]

averaged a 27 point triple double and swept the lakers lmao

[@Y2Jmarco1]

The counter move for Denver to this tactic is putting Gordon as a cutter (instead of keeping him in the angle shooting 3s) from the center of the court and the other wing/guard as a slasher under the basket near the center so Aaron can drive to the basket being contested by the opposing center standing to the rim while the slasher now has no man with him and there’s an extra pass for an easy lay-up/dunk for 2.

[@nikolakrstic8079]

This is not the first time teams did this vs Jokic. Jazz, Portland etc did this and it didn't work that well. This game the Nuggets were just not that good. Also imagine being outcoached by DOC RIVERS

[@user-sl7mt9no1f]

Obviously other teams have tried this, but those teams don't have the personnel to execute this as well as the Sixers this year.

[@nikolakrstic8079]

Celtics do have an even better Horford on Jokic and Williams as a roamer duo and it didn't work at all. The rest of the roster has to adjust and in this game they didn't.

[@cdeleon3494]

@@nikolakrstic8079 gotta give credit to doc rivers for adjusting though... It's not philly's fault that denver didnt adjust... This shows how valuable pj tucker's defense is even at his age...

[@user-sl7mt9no1f]

@@nikolakrstic8079 I think I’m a vacuum you might be right that the Celtics have the personnel for this also. But Williams hasn’t been fully healthy. Only played 17 games this year or something. Not sure it’s a good comparison from that standpoint.

[@nikolakrstic8079]

They did it last year too and as I said, many teams try that. You probably don't see as I do because I watch every Nuggets game. This was just obviously bad coaching for the Nuggets and the team not playing well overall. Jokic should have been more aggressive in the 2nd half I will say that

[@CoryWillis]

Do you think the Grizzlies could do this with dillon brooks and jaren as the roamer or is it just better to have the bruiser in Steven adams on him and give up some of the quickness and rely on jarens help

[@TrillBill]

I don't trust Taylor Jenkins to do that though, he's been looking real fraudulent lately. Now, if the grizzlies had a smart coach like Kerr or Malone, then I could DEFINELTY see Memphis implementing that. Only time will tell

[@Idannoam]

I mean I think brooks although is too little at least tucker is a great post defender brooks is more of a wing defender

[@meekmill8042]

@@TrillBill fraud ? Jesus you guys don't give coaches chances at all ..

[@TrillBill]

@@meekmill8042 I never called him a "fraud". I said he's been looking like one as of late. His rotations been questionable and his half court offense schemes are mundane. Yes or no?

[@CoryWillis]

@@TrillBill His rotations have been inconsistent because the team has been riddled with injuries throughout the year. I think he has been great this year with what he has had to work with but the halfcourt offense is more of a lack of shooting than bad offensive sets.

[@koalaslibary6359]

a rare Doc River W in a while

[@akiljean-pierre9972]

Plenty of teams have put their PF on Jokic. The Jazz did it two seasons ago putting Bojan on Jokic when he dropped 47. Timberwolves did it this year too putting Kyle Anderson on Jokic instead of Rudy. Jokic just stopped being aggressive when they switched and became more passive

[@dumbassdude8372]

This only works because embiid is a great shot creator, Theres no PF and center that can space the floor like tucker and embiid. This game was just a bad game for jokic if he favored perimeter shooters instead of trying to find cutter they wouldve won, Philly has some great paint defense but bad perimeter due to harden being there

[@mosstwig3591]

Exactly. He went 8-12 and 2-2 from 3. He probably could dropped 35+ if he really wanted to.

[@akiljean-pierre9972]

@@dumbassdude8372 his problem wasn’t trying to finding shooters (Jamal and Bones went 3/13 from 3) his problem was he should’ve shot the ball more. He took 5 total shots in the 2nd half because he though being up 15 was good enough and no one else on the Sixers outside of Embiid really did anything. Harden had a hot start but only made 1 shot in the 2nd half. He should’ve attacked Pj Tuck who 100% cannot guard Jokic lol

[@nellyville69]

Pj Tucker is a hardworking physical tough player his production is valuable 💯

[@jamieconnelly5719]

This was the only NBA game I've been too. Couldn't be happier to have chosen it. Embiid just took the game in his hands with money jump shots while stealing Jokics lunch (his mom packed roast beef sammiches)

[@kylehowe6761]

That game was a blowout for 3/4 quarters…sixers we’re lucky and embiid had zero steals

[@marc-oliviermeviane4353]

@@kylehowe6761 Embiid had 3 steals lol

[@PlayfulCloud3]

@@kylehowe6761 i dont know what game u r watchin

[@kylehowe6761]

@@PlayfulCloud3 honestly I didn’t look at the box scores I really couldnt remember him getting steals tho I only remember him having one big block…but the other part is facts if joker would’ve stayed in attack mode and didn’t have that 3rd quarter collapse and nuggets are up double digits going into the 4th it could have been a very different ball game…but oh well nuggets get another shot at them in a month

[@c_rock3512]

@@kylehowe6761 “if my team didn’t utterly collapse and our best player get cooked we would’ve totally won the game!” Y’all lost, no if ands or buts.

[@beardoromal3638]

P. J. Tucker👏👏👏 Always guarding the opposing teams best player effectively.

[@batopopadic1071]

Can't wait for them coming to Denver 😄

[@risottonero4501]

Revenge time

[@DH-lm6kh]

So Embiid can prove he's the real MVP again? Jokic is overrated

[@bowenhammack6155]

@@DH-lm6kh oml brother you don't know ball and it's obvious you're a bias eagles fan 🤣

[@DH-lm6kh]

@@bowenhammack6155 I don't know ball?? Lol Embiid is unstoppable offensively and can actually play defense, unlike Jokic. Jokic is just a stat padder, similar to Westbrook

[@mikeyd-yl3vv]

@@bowenhammack6155 just mad your PER Prince lost to Embiid

[@justingabriel1765]

It’s so crazy how like every time I watch Jokic in a game he gets cooked yet people swear he’s good defensively and that his lack of defense is either completely irrelevant or not true.

[@Gnofg]

Jokic is a terrible defender and PJ took away his first step. All big men think they are good dribblers but against someone like PJ he is not a good dribbler and he has no ups so he can't fire off a mid range jumper.

[@justingabriel1765]

@@Gnofg oh I know that, but people swear to god he’s the best big man in the league when the only thing he does better then Embid and AD is pass lmfao 🤣, and well AD can’t shoot so there’s that for him

[@Gnofg]

@@justingabriel1765 He is a good passer but it is relatively easy to pass from penetration. He is a god awful defender like most Europeans. Akeeem got down on Embid because he doesn’t dominate in the post like he should. When you are bigger than everyone else you should let everyone know that you are the biggest guy on the court.

[@howdareyouexist]

🤡

[@rafael-sx5go]

Well it didn't matter in the end

[@1JLegend]

I think this is a pretty simple yet perfect example of a better team player vs a better individual player.

[@Bostuguinhas]

The way u stop jokic is getting him into a playoff matchup, than u can exploit him in the defensive end, were he is a liability

[@jaydenwilson8371]

Well first you need a center like Joel tbh. The only team is the warriors probably. Hopefully Jokić becomes more aggressive on offensive and learns from Marc Gasol on how to guard the paint

[@xxjackirblackbloddxx7377]

Great vid If you believe this will work again you are ar best extremely hopeful

[@markocurcic6314]

Embiid outplayed him no question. He took this game personally while Jokic took it like it is a regular season game. Also Malone doesn't know what an in game adjustment is even if it hit him in his head. Moving on.

[@jaydenwilson8371]

I agree honestly I thought Jokić could’ve been more aggressive. Also why did Malone sit MPJ for so long?

[@EmanCollins]

@ 6:15 Ah yes, the 2-2 zone, VERY underrated defensive scheme. 👌👌

[@damienbrnch]

Embiid was unreal on this game. Probably my fav game of the season so far

[@mitchellproductions9865]

hell of a game by embiid, hell of a 2nd half plan from doc. we will see you in denver in march and then maybe june??

[@NBAConfidential]

The Lakers just did something similar in game 1. They were able to comeback and almost win the game.

[@howdareyouexist]

and now? lmao

[@redeyexxx1841]

And then got swept?

[@NBAConfidential]

@@redeyexxx1841 OK? Idk why you guys are coming back to this comment and acting like you have a "gotcha". I never said this strategy was some silver bullet nor that the Lakers were going to win the series lol. I noticed the similarity between what the Lakers did and what was described in this video. I said nothing else and nothing more.

[@redeyexxx1841]

@@NBAConfidential Man I'm just having some fun after drinking a bit. I'm not that serious

[@BadTakeRisan]

Doc making adjustments? I almost shed a tear 😭. My Sixers might win it all if Doc can actually remember how to coach.

[@wunderkid8749]

I think jokic has some difficulties when he is guard by a guard. Someone with active hands who will force him to put the ball on the floor. Jokic loves to pass the ball so his teammates runs all over the place and with his vision, find the open man. Pj did a great job yesterday.

[@jamesdubeck4920]

Idk whos idea this was. But it was one of those adjustments i love to see fron my sixers 🏀🔴⚪️🔵

[@fgomez209]

The way to stop Jokic, you could watch it this summer in the European championship, is to make him a defensive liability.

[@metalsadman]

get howard, jokic can easily be bothered by strong handsy defenders as seen here.

[@minnuss]

And who stopped him in European championship, or did I watch some other championship in another dimension ?

[@mitthrawnuruodo4569]

The 2-2 zone is literally the greatest thing Doc Rivers has done as a coach.

[@greatheightsu]

Ah, so the key to stopping Jokic is to have a super elite defensive center like Embiid and a stout PF. Pack it up boys, Jokic's season is washed now. 😎

[@ashamael]

You make me love basketball even more.

[@ReallyGotMotion]

Embiid Bullied Jokic. Jokic is a regular season Analytics king nothing more.

[@tj5180]

That's not the only reason lol.

[@kylehowe6761]

Lol I can’t wait for you clowns to have to come play in Denver next month and make you whistle a different tune

[@Mark-nh3up]

EMBID THE GREATEST CHOKER IN THE PLAYOFFS HE IS NOT A BIG GAME PLAYER ZERO MENTALITY OR WR CALL IT LOSER MENTALITY THE ONLY MVP WHO ARE NOT PLAYING IN EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS HAGAGAGA EMBARASSING !

[@sanswt2765]

be humble

[@tpstrat14]

with no frills analysis channels like this, we see clearly that ESPN is the TMZ/ national enquirer of the sports world, AKA flashy gibberish that has little to do with the event being reported on. Good work, Thinking Basketball.

[@Uebelkraehe]

Good adjustment, always fun to see, but isn't Embiid often lingering a bit long in the paint?

[@guitarplayer5559]

No. As long as there's an offensive player near the paint with him, a defensive player can linger in the paint. Its why when you watch Embiid and he's lingering in the paint, he'll motion towards his man right outside.

[@customch33s32]

The rules around the 3 second rule are really lenient actually. They say that if the player doesn't get an advantage by being inside the paint the seconds don't count. (This is mostly for if someone barely missed the step outside, or if they are just inside it on the edge) Another rule is that if the player is making an effort to get outside the paint at 3 seconds it doesn't count. (So that you don't block players inside the paint and then they get fouled) Case and point being it is a rule with space for a lot of leniency, being that another referee would call them and it wouldn't be a wrong call either

[@temporality_]

Doc Rivers made an adjustment? This is incredible!

[@GTNover]

Jokic is too smart. Hebwiol figure out anything you throw at him given enough time.

[@Gnofg]

The key to stopping Jokic is to take away his first step. How do you beat someone who is quicker than you and still beat you to the spot. Jokic has no ups so the pull up jumper is non existent.

[@GTNover]

@Michael Fong you must not watch Jokic or Doncic play. They always best quicker players to the first step because of deception. And Jokic literally is the best in the NBA at midrange. He's #1 in FG% from 3 to 10 ft. And He's also got an unblockable shot with a specific name, while you are trying to argue his shots are too easily blocked. Look up his Sombar Shuffle. It's as effective as Dirks fadaway.

[@Gnofg]

@@GTNover I watch him. Like I said when a smaller guy covers him like PJ they take away his first step. He is a good dribbler against other big men but not against someone who can crowd him and still beat him to the spot.

[@GTNover]

@Michael Fong So gonna ignore the whole "he can't make jumpers" claim? And no, PJ got beat on the first step a LOT. Notice how Embiid was on help side every single time Jokic got it in the post. Jokic consistently beat PJ and had to kick out when Embiid closed. He shot 66.7% against the 76ers and scored 24 points on 12 shots.

[@Gnofg]

@@GTNover Ask yourself this simple question “was jokic effective and how many points did Denver score in the second half?

[@gnm4]

banger in the early morning

[@rollotomasse]

Only thing that stoped Joker last night was Murray's ball hogging, he started to play heavy isso plays for the last 5-6 games and Denver is loosing. They had that game in Philly last night and Murray ruined everything...