The boundary-pushing physicality with which teams defend Nikola Jokic isn’t going away anytime soon.
Conversations about it aren’t going away, either.
The Sacramento Kings were the latest opponent to test the referees in their coverage of Jokic, whose turnovers (seven) exceeded his assists (six) for only the third time this season on Wednesday. Playing on a bum ankle, Jokic grew visibly frustrated throughout the game as Sacramento fronted him with smaller defenders, taking a page from Lakers coach JJ Redick’s book. Kings center Jonas Valanciunas guarded Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook, contributing to a scheme that was determined to take away every inch of space in the paint.