Jokic’s Low Free Throw Attempts Raise Questions After Nuggets’ Game 6 Loss to Clippers

On a pivotal Thursday night in the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets’ hopes of closing out the series against the LA Clippers were dashed in a 111-105 loss at the Intuit Dome. Despite the Nuggets’ best efforts, including standout performances from their star duo, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Clippers forced a Game 7. However, it wasn’t just the loss that had Denver’s interim head coach David Adelman scratching his head—there was a key stat that caught his attention: Jokic’s remarkably low free throw attempts.

Adelman Raises Eyebrows Over Jokic’s Free Throw Struggles

For a player who frequently draws fouls and earns trips to the charity stripe, Nikola Jokic’s two free throw attempts in Game 6 were nothing short of surprising. As David Adelman reflected on the game, he couldn’t help but point out the discrepancy:

“Nikola gets fouled a lot. I’m not sure what was happening tonight but for him to only shoot two free throws,” Adelman remarked, according to Nuggets beat writer Brendan Vogt.

Heading into the game, Jokic had averaged 6.2 free throw attempts per contest in this series, which made his two attempts in Game 6 even more puzzling. It’s clear that the physicality of the game, particularly in the paint, had an impact on the reigning MVP. Ivica Zubac, the Clippers’ defensive anchor, made life difficult for Jokic throughout the game, especially as the series wore on.

Zubac’s Tough Defense Takes a Toll on Jokic

Jokic’s struggles weren’t just about the free throw line—his overall shooting performance against Zubac was another concern. The Clippers’ big man, known for his ability to defend against physical centers, was a constant presence in the paint, particularly in the second half. Analyst Ramona Shelburne highlighted how effective Zubac had been in limiting Jokic’s production during Game 6:

“According to @ESPNStatsInfo Nikola Jokic was 5-14 with Ivica Zubac as his primary defender in Game 6, including 1-8 in the 2nd half,” Shelburne tweeted, offering a clear view of how the Clippers’ center had stifled Jokic’s offensive rhythm.

This isn’t the first time Zubac has disrupted Jokic’s game, but it seems that the Clippers’ defense has found a formula for slowing down the Nuggets’ superstar when it matters most. For the Nuggets, the challenge now is figuring out how to counter Zubac’s impact in Game 7, which could very well be a defining moment for both players.

Nuggets Look to Match Clippers’ Physicality in Game 7

With Game 7 on the horizon, David Adelman is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. He’s determined to match the Clippers’ physicality, hoping that this adjustment will help his team reclaim control of the series on their home court.

“Really excited for us [to get just as physical with their stars],” Adelman added, speaking about the mindset the Nuggets need to adopt going into the do-or-die game. As the series shifts back to Denver, the Nuggets will need to find a way to combat the Clippers’ tough defense and ensure Jokic can thrive offensively.

The Stakes Are High: Can Jokic and the Nuggets Deliver?

As the curtain falls on Game 6, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown in Denver. For Jokic, this will be the ultimate test of his resilience. Can he break free from Zubac’s grip and return to the dominant form that helped lead the Nuggets through the regular season? Will the Nuggets’ coaching staff be able to find a way to get their star center going, or will the Clippers continue to impose their will in Game 7?

The series has reached its most intense point, and with everything on the line, fans can expect a fierce battle for supremacy in what promises to be an electrifying Game 7. As both teams prepare for the final chapter, one thing is certain: the outcome of this game will define the 2023-2024 playoff run for the Denver Nuggets.