The stage is set for the 2023 NBA Finals. It is the Miami Heat vs. the Denver Nuggets, the 8th seed vs. the 1st, Jimmy Butler vs. Nikola Jokic. Even though the Heat are the 8th seed, they have been one of the most consistent teams in the playoffs. No team has won more playoff games than the Heat since 2020. Also, the Heat are the only team to reach two Finals since 2020. So first-time finalists Denver has their plate full. However, the Nuggets have the two-time NBA MVP who has been unstoppable in the playoffs so far.

Nikola Jokic has been performing at a high level this season and was very close to winning his third straight NBA MVP award. However, The Joker has his eyes on the bigger prize. As the Heat are looking for ways to stop Jokic, a Lakers star has come forward with his input.

Lakers star’s advice to slow down Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic was instrumental in the Denver Nuggets sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. In late game-1, the Lakers had some degree of success when Rui Hachimura guarded Jokic. The Serbian still had one of the best playoff games ever with 34 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists. Despite this, Lakers fans were hopeful their team figured out a way to stop the towering center. Unfortunately, that was far from the truth as Jokic continued his dominance in the next three games to sweep the Lakers.

Apparently, the loss has taught some valuable lessons to the Purple & Gold as Tristan Thompson opened up about guarding Jokic. Recently, Thompson was asked about ways to stop Jokic. The forward made it clear that there is no way to stop the Nuggets star and noted one can only make it tough for him. The 2016 NBA champion added Jokic has to be met early and the defender should force him to take tough shots and live with it.

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As Jimmy Butler and Co Embark on Massive Feat, Latest Heat Update May Worry Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets

Thompson was without a team for the most part of the season and was working with NBA Today on ESPN as an analyst. He then got a call from the Lakers and was part of their team in the playoffs. After the series was over, he is now back with the crew.

Fans loved Thompson’s analysis and defense

Tristan Thompson explained ways to slow down Nikola Jokic with footage of him defending the Serbian. As co-host Malika Andrews shared the video clip of Thompson’s advice on social media, fans flooded the comment section. Here are some reactions:

A lot of fans loved Thompson’s analysis of Jokic and his take on slowing the center down. Also, many fans expressed that Thompson played better defense whenever he was given a chance.

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What do you think about Tristan Thompson’s analysis of Nikola Jokic? Let us know in the comments.