The Suns will be faced with a tough task of guarding Nikola Jokic when they face the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
Deandre Ayton will the primary option on defense against the Serbian superstar. Phoenix head coach Monty Williams was asked about his center guarding Jokic.
“It’s a tough task. He’s two-time MVP. Enough said,” Williams said. “I hear all these criticisms about his defense and all this, but when I watch film, he’s a great defensive stance in the pocket, busts his tail to get back in the paint also in defense, he sprints in transition.
“Then you add the offensive side to it. On that side there’s nothing he can’t do. I don’t think I’ve ever seen in my career where a guard would get a rebound and throw it to a seven-footer as an outlet. That’s something that’s unique to this team.
“I could go on and on and on about how much we respect him and versatility and big time player that he is.”
Jokic is averaging 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9 assists in 36.8 minutes per game in the playoffs.
