Nikola Jokic analyzes his dominance in the NBA in recent years

Nikola Jokić has built his dominance in the NBA thanks to a combination of talent, court vision, and the ability to interpret what happens on the court. The pivot of the Denver Nuggets, three-time MVP of the competition and champion in 2023, explained in an exclusive interview with Claro Sports how he analyzes his defenders, finds solutions to different tactical approaches, and uses his experience to make decisions during games.

The Serbian, considered one of the major references in world basketball, combines the roles of a center with those of an offensive organizer. His assists, his movements near the rim, and his ability to find open teammates make him one of the most difficult players to defend in the NBA. In the conversation with Claro Sports, where he also spoke as the new ambassador for Sprite, he made it clear that there is no definitive formula to stop him.

What player makes Jokić think the most?

One of the questions the Denver player received was related to his rivals. In a league full of stars, he was asked which player makes him think the most during a game and why.

However, Jokić dismissed the idea that his analysis process depends on a specific figure. "I think a lot for myself. I don’t need another player to help me think. I think a lot on my own. I don’t need anyone or any competition for that," he replied.

For the three-time MVP, the key is to continuously interpret the situations that arise during the games. His analysis does not depend on facing a specific opponent, but rather on his ability to adapt to the different scenarios, defenders, and tactical approaches he encounters on the court.

The secret to overcoming rival defenses

One of the major challenges for teams facing Denver is limiting the influence of their star. Jokić can score near the rim, shoot from different distances, and find his teammates when defenses concentrate their efforts on stopping him. Every defensive decision can open new opportunities for the Nuggets.

When asked what he analyzes first when a team believes they have found a way to stop him, the pivot explained that his response depends on several factors.

"It depends on who is defending me, if it's a smaller or larger player, if I'm facing a double team or not, if I'm having a good shooting day or not," he noted.

The Serbian insisted that there is no solution that works for all situations. "It depends on many things. It's not a simple answer. If it were simple, I think everyone would do it," he stated.

His explanation helps to understand the complexity of the defensive strategies he faces. Against a smaller defender, he can exploit his physicality near the rim. If he receives a double team, he has the opportunity to find an open teammate. When given space, he also has the resources to take a shot. The chosen alternative depends on the circumstances of each possession, a skill that has been fundamental to his performance in Denver.

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Experience, one of the keys to his game

Jokić also explained how he has developed the ability to identify the best solutions in the midst of a game. For the pivot, the experience gained since arriving in the NBA in 2015 is crucial.

"I think it's simply experience. I've been playing for about ten or eleven years. It's the different things I've seen, the various types of players who defend me, the teams I've played against, and the teammates I've had," he explained.

The Nuggets player believes that facing different defensive styles and sharing the court with numerous teammates has allowed him to broaden his understanding of basketball. "I think it's the experience I've gained over the years," he added.

This evolution is also reflected in his statistics. During the 2025-26 season, Jokić became the first player in NBA history to finish as the league leader in both rebounds and assists per game. A combination that reflects his influence both in offensive organization and play near the boards.

Can he still improve after winning three MVPs?

Despite his three MVP awards and the championship won with Denver, Jokić does not consider that he has reached his peak. The Serbian acknowledged that he still has room for improvement in different aspects of his game, although he did not want to point out one as a priority.

"There is always room for improvement. Maybe you need to improve your body, your fitness, or your shooting. I can't just choose one thing," he commented.

Instead of focusing solely on statistics or the possibility of achieving new individual accolades, the pivot explained that his goal is to come back each season being better than the previous one.

"If I come back being a little better than last year, I will be happy and satisfied. That would mean I improved compared to the previous year," he assured.

After more than a decade in the NBA, Jokić continues to rely on experience, adaptation, and decision-making to maintain his level. His statements to Claro Sports show the analytical process behind his points, rebounds, and assists. Although his movements may seem simple from outside the court, the player himself acknowledges that finding the right answer against each defense is not an easy task.

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