By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Nikola Jovic is playing better and better, and the pinnacle of the season so far came against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Serbian forward scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds in an overtime win, hitting some of the crucial shots in the game’s final stretch. That’s why coach Erik Spoelstra was praised for the 20-year-old player.
“Niko was fantastic tonight. I often have to remind myself that Niko is 20, but he’s getting better by each month. You saw it tonight, that was winning basketball,” Spoelstra said.
Jovic patiently waited for the opportunity. He was often out of the squad in the first couple of months, even playing in the G League. However, as the season progressed, he got more and more chances, and it seems that he is now an important piece of the Heat’s rotation.
“It’s a great feeling. Head coach Spoelstra trusts me, and that’s why I work hard. What keeps me on the court is defense. I hope it stays that way going forward. I have to show him that I can help the team win. I did everything that was needed – dribbling, setting screens for Herro, passing. I do what the coach asks of me,” Jovic stated.
In his second season with the Miami Heat, the Serbian national team player made 43 regular-season appearances and averaged 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds.