By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The situation at the Miami Heat is favoring additional playing time and an upgraded role for Serbian Nikola Jovic.
Jovic, 20, went for 15 points behind 5/8 field goals in the losing effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Starting for the fifth time in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season and 13th since being picked up with the 27th pick of the 2022 NBA draft, he seemed comfortable on the court.
“Offensively, it is easy to play with these guys,” he mentioned praising his teammates, “I was wide open. They were hitting me. I was making them.”
Jovic has also been a hit in the locker room. Teammates have embraced the youngster, determined to help him progress. Aiming to become a regular contributor down the road, Jimmy Butler (right toe), Kyle Lowry (left hand), and Caleb Martin (right ankle) on the sidelines have accelerated the process leading to the starting unit.
Losing to the Thunder in Kaseya Center reduced the Heat to 21-16, half a game outside the direct playoff berths.
“We all think we played as a team offensively. We played great team basketball but it is all about defense. Defensively, we let them get some cheap fouls and free throws,” noted Jovic.
Moving deeper into a four-game homestand, the next challenge for the team coached by Erik Spoelstra is against the Orlando Magic on Friday.
“Probably be more disciplined,” the Serbian power forward replied on necessary improvements in defense, “We need to stay locked in for 40 minutes, which we were not tonight.”
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