The Croatian center discussed about his aggression level in the matchup against Nikola Jokic

By Eurohoops team / [email protected]

The series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Denver Nuggets, tied at 2-2, is one of the most balanced in the whole NBA Playoffs, also thanks to the center matchup between Ivica Zubac and Nikola Jokic, who are going at each other possession after possession.

Before Game 5, the media – as reported by Law Murray – asked the Croatian center if he had raised his aggression level by going up against the three-time NBA MVP, the protagonist of another stellar season.

“I feel like he’s been aggressive from day one, every possession. I don’t think much has changed for me. From the first to your last minute, you can play your best defense, and sometimes he’s still gonna make shots, a lot of tough shots. They still go through the same sets, they run the same stuff for him.”

“It’s about making it as hard as possible for him, and trying to make him miss. He’s a great player, one of the all-time greats. He’s gonna make tough shots,” Ivica Zubac continued.

“Ever since I can remember playing against him from the first time, he has always played super hard. He never takes possession softly. He always looks for ways to impact the game, even when he’s off the ball. He’s always playing super hard. I don’t think much has changed: you gotta be locked in every possession, try to match his physicality, and play as hard as him.”

Since the beginning of this First Round series, Ivica Zubac has been averaging 18.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, shooting 64.7% from the field; Nikola Jokic, instead, has been putting up a triple-double of 28.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 10.8 assists per night.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

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