Nikola Jović from a free kick
“I’m just trying to get out of here.” I’m just trying to help this team win. For now, even if I’m not in the best shape and I’m not playing like I know, we’re still pretty solid.”
Nikola Jovic is trying to talk himself out as best he can, and no doubt took solace in making the same observation after waiting until the final minute of Monday night’s win against the Clippers to step onto the floor at the Cassia Center.
The ghost of Nikola Jovic
Two months after signing a nice contract extension, worth $62.5 million over four years, the Serb is in tough times like never before. Worst of all, he posted a career-high 29 points against Portland on Nov. 8, right before the jump.
The Serbian really had four difficult performances followed by a hip injury. Left on the bench against Milwaukee in the middle of last week, he returned against Detroit this weekend after an injury to Jaime Jaquez Jr. But he again multiplied mistakes, with 5 turnovers in just 10 minutes of play, and Erik Spoelstra logically decided to go without him on Monday, until the match was definitive.
“Our potential is much greater when Niko plays consistently”, did he regret it. « He’s extremely versatile on both ends of the floor when he’s really focused, paying attention to detail and giving it his all.”
The Heat strategist has reason to be nervous, because he knows how valuable Nikola Jovic can be when he is in top form. Despite this unexpected setback, he continues to believe in his inner self’s ability to bounce back. “He needs to find a better rhythm. He needs to work and everything will be fine.”
“This start to the season is strange”
The person in question tries not to think too much, even if he cannot find reasons to explain this wrong statement.
« “It surprises me, especially because I felt pretty good during training camp and a little bit during the preseason. he added. “And to start the season like this is weird. It always feels weird. It feels like we’re trying to figure out where things went wrong. Why is it happening like this? Because I’ve never played like that. I feel like it’s more of a mental issue right now. I’m looking to shoot because I’m afraid of not playing enough or making bad shots, things like that.”
Keep working and keep your head up, Nikola Jović knows the recipe for getting back on track. Despite this new waiver from coach Spo on Monday, the Floridian intends to sit out tonight’s match in Dallas.
“I believe in myself”he fired. “I don’t think it will last long. I still think I’m playing good basketball for others. I’m just playing bad for myself, that’s all. I’m working every day to get better and I know I’ll get there.”
| Nikola Jovic | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | MIA | 15 | 13:36 | 40.6 | 22.9 | 94.7 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 5.5 |
| 2023-24 | MIA | 46 | 19:29 | 45.2 | 39.9 | 70.2 | 0.5 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 7.7 |
| 2024-25 | MIA | 46 | 25:08 | 45.6 | 37.1 | 82.8 | 0.6 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 10.7 |
| 2025-26 | MIA | 16 | 19:23 | 39.6 | 28.8 | 72.2 | 0.7 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 2.8 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 7.8 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2025-12-03 18:47:00
