Clippers stars discuss how to stop Nikola Jokic ahead of key matchup

Nikola Jokic is a basketball player who poses a danger to all opponents, and everyone knows that well. Before the match against the Nuggets, the stars of the LA Clippers were debating whether it was a better option to force Jokic to give assists or to force him to give points.

The first duel will be played in a few days, and it is already clear that there is a huge interest in this exciting match. After one of the Clippers' training sessions, the two stars of the team, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell were talking about the Serbian center. Leonard stresses that it is difficult to keep quality players, putting the emphasis on winning and nothing else.

"You never know in basketball. You can't guard anyone perfectly. No matter how you guard him, he will find a solution, regardless of whether he will have a lot of points or assists. We just focus on winning, and he is a very important factor for that and causes a lot of attention," said Leonard.

Powell on Leonard

Powell believes that Jokic is one of the best players, having firm beliefs that they will make great results in the future.

"You can look at the numbers and analytics at how he is when he assists and when he doesn't pass, but he is one of the best players in the world. Selfless, he also looks at his teammates, communicates when taking over in defense. They are dangerous there, because he has easy assists on passes with the racket. It is important that we are concentrated, firm and do not allow him easy points. You always try to take away from the best player what he is best at, to make him struggle," says Powell.

"We are focused on defense. We will rely on that. In attack, we have guys who can score points. Jokić is the head of the snake, along with Marijo. The whole first five is very good, players from the bench bring energy, so we have to be concentrated".