The Nuggets have increasingly played zone defense throughout this series to challenge Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a driver. It has taken various forms, from 2-3 to 1-3-1 to a metamorphosis into man defense mid-possession. At its simplest, Jokic has been tasked with playing quarterback for the two defenders up top. “Bigs are always in charge of communication. The zone is a whole other level of communication,” Adelman said. “I don’t think people realize — like, watching Bam (Adebayo) in Miami — the responsibility of not being part of the actual play that’s going on. You are the person that’s kicking people left and right.” -via Denver Post / May 17, 2025
