"Next Question!" Jokic's Response to the Play of the Game in Minnesota Rout Makes Everyone Laugh! /VIDEO/
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The Serbian center first emphasized that physical play was crucial, despite a high number of offensive fouls.
"I don't know how we ended up with 10 offensive fouls. Maybe that's exactly why we needed that physicality. That's our mentality for the upcoming games as well."
He stressed that the team needs to approach the rest of the series with more intelligence.
"We definitely need to be smarter. Focus is key. I've been in these situations before, and I know that when we play elimination games, concentration has to be at the highest level, which was the case for most of this game."
On Spencer Jones
He particularly praised teammate Spencer Jones, who scored 20 points.
"He stayed ready. His minutes fluctuated, and then injuries came. Still, he always looked prepared. His impact was huge, and today he scored 20 points, which is a big deal. He hit important threes, and on defense, he was aggressive and stopped opponents. He was very good."
When asked how he balances aggressiveness with the fear of committing personal fouls, Jokic was clear.
"If you're thinking about whether you should or shouldn't be physically dominant, you're already in trouble. You have to be, and even if you pick up quick fouls, it happens. You shouldn't think about it."
"We need to be more aggressive in transition"
He pointed out that opponent turnovers were key to easy points.
"I think this is the first game where we did to them what they've been doing to us so far. Those 'two-on-one' and 'one-on-zero' situations, those easy points, that killed them. When you're working so hard, and someone scores a layup in four seconds, it destroys your momentum. We need to be more aggressive in transition and look for those kinds of points more often."
"Next question!"
Jokic also commented on his defender, noting that they know each other very well.
"He's a good defender, I say that every time. He always pushes you to give more of yourself in every situation. I think I've played against him the most in my entire career. We know each other well; we also play for our national teams."
Finally, reporters asked him about a comical situation at the end of the game, when he first offered the ball to an opponent, then abruptly snatched it back, forcing a jump ball. Jokic, with a smile and a bowed head, declined to elaborate on the move, which was clearly a message to his rival.
"Next question," Nikola Jokic said curtly, making everyone present laugh.
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