By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Denver Nuggets need to improve in multiple areas to overcome consecutive setbacks away from home, pointed out Nikola Jokic. The Serbian star discussed recent troubles after his side lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.
Jokic, 28, produced an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double plus seven assists, one steal, and one block on NBA Sundays. Despite dealing with foul trouble, he lasted 28 minutes in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “They were just better. In the offensive glass, paint, they were getting everything they want,” he summed up.
Carrying four defeats in a row away from home, the Nuggets continue a demanding road trip through this week. Up next are the Detroit Pistons on Monday. From there to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday and the Houston Rockets on Friday.
“The win would be nice,” Jokic previewed the upcoming game at Little Caesars Arena and went on to required adjustments, “Maybe play a little bit better, get open shots. I think we have been playing a little bit stagnant right now. Maybe a little more movement in defense. Our defense is really bad right now.”
Besides Slovenian Vlatko Cancar projected to sit out the entire 2023-24 season after having left knee surgery during the offseason, the team coached by Michael Malone is also missing Jamal Murray. The Canadian combo guard has been out since early November with a right hamstring strain but is nearing a return and traveling with the team during the five-game road trip.
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