DENVER — In typical fashion, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić had the absolute best explanation for a string of rare slam dunks in the Nuggets’ series comeback against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jokić threw down a pair of dunks as part of his 40-point performance in Game 5. In the first quarter, he drove from the perimeter past multiple Timberwolves defenders before cocking the ball behind his head and throwing down a two-handed flush. In the fourth quarter, Jamal Murray found The Joker for a breakaway slam.He was asked about incorporating the dunks into his repertoire, and whether it was an adjustment to Minnesota’s aggressive, rim-protecting defense.
— NBA May 15, 2024 “I had an open lane…And I’m a freak of nature,” Jokić said with a chuckle. “Why not show my athleticism?” Jokić attempted just 17 dunks this season, according to Basketball-Reference, which accounts for just over 1% of his shot attempts on the year. For comparison, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert tried 248 dunks, good for 44% of his shot attempts in 2023-24 – the second-highest percentage in the league.Just watch 🤯Denver Nuggets Western Conference Semifinals schedule: * if necessary
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