New “Baby Jokic”, Derrick Quinn praises “father”

In the match he marked Zion Williamson returns to the gamethe latter’s racket partner stole the show. On the contrary Nikola Jokic, Derrick Queen showed serious flashes of his potential, leading the Pelicans to bet big, very big for him during the last draft.

This duel between these two tough pivots, which was refereed by Peyton Watson on a great night, turned into a clash of titans. Nikola Jokić recorded his 9th triple-double of the season, with 28 points (10/18 shooting), 12 assists and 11 rebounds. However, with significant flaws in his production, starting with his 9 turnovers, including 5 in the first quarter alone on poorly secured carries.

With six fouls, the Serbian also had great difficulty in containing the enthusiasm of his young direct opponent. “ He is good. He’s got some moves, he’s obviously very skilled. He’s atypical, has great touch near the rim, great feel for the game. It’s good to see someone different », compliments the Nuggets leader in spades.

“We all know he’s not a great defender”

Like the mirror game, his description of the New Orleans rookie would also fit him as he revolutionizes the pivot position. It must be said that Derrick Quinn is drawing comparisons to the Denver team that he already got the nickname “Beba Jokic” when he played at Maryland, because of his technical range and his vision of the game. I think I’m a little taller, but I think there’s this, let’s say…smart style. I can see, yes », notes Nikola Jokić.

In this match, the rookie had to wait until the end of the first period to unlock his counter. One of his first baskets was a dunk past Jonas Valanciunas after surprising Nikola Jokic with his left hand. Jokić, who he passed for the second time in a row with hesitation on the dribble to open access to the circle.

The machine is started. He could finish the finish with his left hand, hits to the head of the racket where he evolved a lot, penetration to the end despite Nikola Jokić’s mistake… Derrick Quinn was well on his way to provoke him, to get him out of the match by accumulating mistakes.

« We all know he’s not a great defender. So the idea was just to attack and try to neutralize him, because he can take control of the game in a lot of ways. Getting him into foul trouble and taking him out of the game was important to the team », shows a novice, without language.

“He passed and I was like, wow.”

He was very enthusiastic about the idea of ​​facing the legend opposite, who impressed him with his playing intelligence. He made a behind-the-back pass while being double-cut. He made that pass and I was like, wow. “, says the newcomer, also marked by the work of Nikola Jokić to reposition himself for another action: ” It seemed so natural and easy. It’s the little things, and I was just trying to learn those little things from him. »

Derrick Queen explains that he specifically studied his colleague’s game at university. ” You can’t really stop him because if you play against him showing too much help, he will always make the right pass and they will score. There are players cutting, so basically… I don’t really know. There’s not much you can do about it », admits the newcomer.

Only against the latter, even Nikola Jokić could not do much. With his mobility, touch and support quality, the rookie offered himself a new career high with 30 points (12/18 on shots including 1/2 from distance), 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. ” It’s definitely a confidence boost, because he’s a three-time MVP, an NBA champion. You have to keep going and not get carried away by the ups or downs. »

As for the perceived similarities, Nikola Jokic, who appreciates the player trying to imitate him, admits he sees them. However, he warns: I don’t want people to look at him and say he looks like me. I think he is a talented enough player to write his own story. »

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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.