Nikola Jokic's frequent parade to the free-throw line was a sore subject for Golden State coach Steve Kerr.
Nikola Jokic's frequent parade to the free-throw line was a sore subject for Steve Kerr.
The Golden State coach doesn't feel like defence gets rewarded consistently enough in today's NBA.
Jokic overcame an off day from the field by going 18 of 18 from the free-throw line and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five games by holding off the Warriors 120-114.
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Jokic finished with 26 points despite a 4-of-12 showing from the floor. He set a career-high with his 18 made free throws. In all, the Nuggets were 26 of 32 from the free-throw line.
I have no problem with the officials themselves, Kerr said after the game.
I have a problem with the way we are legislating defence out of the game. Thats what were doing.
"The way were teaching officials, were just enabling to players to (fool) their way to the foul line. If I was a fan, I wouldnt have wanted to watch the second half of that game. It was disgusting.
It was just baiting refs into calls. But the refs have to make those calls because thats how theyre taught.
The combination of Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis took turns trying to contain Jokic, who didnt have his customary touch around the basket. Jokic made up for it by being more aggressive and getting to the line.
He gets fouled a lot. He gets beat up down there, explained Jamal Murray, who scored a game-high 28 points.
Its hard to call every foul, I understand. They can only do so much.
Kerr said that players are smart in this league. Over the last decade, theyve gotten smarter and smarter. We have enabled the players and theyre taking full advantage and its a parade to the free-throw line. Its disgusting to watch.
Stephen Curry weighed in on the topic, too.
When theres physicality, its tough because its inconsistent at times on either side, said Curry.
A night like tonight, you feel like theres physicality on one side and then kind of ticky-tack on the other and then they get into the bonus and it changes the (complexion) of the game. Its not like we dont foul. Im not saying that.
"It was tough tonight, slowed the whole game down. (Jokic) made every free throw and changed the momentum, played into their hands.