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“I Couldn’t Believe It”: Nikola Jokic on Luka Doncic’s Bizarre Shot in the All-Star Game

Published 02/18/2024, 11:39 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The curtain has officially fallen on the 2024 NBA All-Star game, showcasing the thriving talent of young players who treated fans to a myriad of spectacular moments. Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton dazzled with a barrage of threes from all over the floor, while Karl-Anthony Towns put on a dunk clinic, probably making a case to enter next year’s dunk contest. However, as the players focused on the connection in their shots, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic stood out as they seemed to be simply there to enjoy the experience.

Approaching halftime, Doncic received the inbound pass from the baseline and boldly launched a long-range shot from beyond half-court with almost 30 seconds remaining on the clock. Notably, he described it as an analytical move, providing his team with two-shot opportunities before the buzzer. Doncic’s move seems like a page right out of Chris Paul’s playbook. In the same light, when discussing Luka Doncic’s shot selection after the game, Jokic couldn’t contain his dismay, exclaiming, “I couldn’t believe it.”

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While Luka’s tactic is a brilliant testament to his basketball IQ, it did not favor the West at all. With his unconventional shot, Luka succeeded in hitting the top of the backboard, narrowly avoiding an out-of-bounds situation. Furthermore, as Stephen Curry brought the ball down for the buzzer, he ultimately missed three after successfully getting the defender to bite on his pump fake. Given the fast-paced nature of the game throughout, it’s conceivable that the West could have easily had two shot opportunities in the last half-minute.

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Luka recorded 7/7/7 in the game within 23 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Jokic, shooting 6-8 from the field, added 13 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds within similar minutes.

Luka Doncic and Jokic bonded over the All-Star game

The bond between the two European players is setting friendship goals within the NBA. Every opportunity they get, Luka and Jokic manage to share moments of fun and jokes. The All-Star game provided the perfect stage for them to extend their camaraderie.

Before the game, Luka Doncic, during the pre-game warm-up, pointed at the basket to set up Stephen Curry. As Steph stood near the basket, Nikola Jokic approached from behind and dunked over Steph for a hilarious start.

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Their camaraderie seamlessly continued into the game, with Jokic getting the much desired ‘English layup’ off Luka Doncic’s lob on a fast break.

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To conclude the game, the two showcased their chemistry once again, engaging in a fast break where they passed to each other 6 times without a single dribble on the floor. A play that coaches admire, it concluded with Jokic tipping a pass to Shai near the basket for an easy two points.

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Furthermore, the duo even managed to make the most out of their bench time. engaging in discussions and sharing laughs with LeBron James.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja