Nikola Jokic is going to put his energy into basketball instead of the referees.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic is taking a new approach when it comes to dealing with referees.
Speaking after the Nuggets victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, Jokic said he's avoiding conversations with referees this season.
“That’s my new thing this year. I’m not going to get stressed or yell at the refs or whatever,” he said in the post-game press conference.
“I talked to them really respectfully, but I think it’s just that there’s no point to waste energy if they already called something,” he added, rejecting the question on whether he was previously excessive, “You just try to control what you can control.”
Jokic finished the games against the Pacers, a 117-110 victory, with his sixth triple double on the season, posting 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Nikola Jokic And Earning Free Throwing
Since rasing his game to an MVP level, Jokic has been one of the most physically imposing forces in the NBA, using his frame to post up opposing defenders and his footwork to get to his spots on the floor.
Despite his battles on the block and his craftiness around the rim, Jokic was seventh in attempted free throws last season at 6.4 per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the leage with 10.6 attempts per game. Jokic has never averaged more than seven free throw attempts per game in a season.
Over the years, fans have certainly noticed Jokic expressing his frustration with the referees over the lack of calls he gets on a nightly basis.
Against the Pacers, Jokic earned 12 free throws, knocking down 11 of them.
Denver Nuggets Hot Start and Looking Ahead
The Nuggets are 7-2 on the season, tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the second-best record in the Western Conference. They've won four straight games with victories over the Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and the Pacers.
Jokic is averaging a triple duble with 25 points, 11.9 assists, and 13 rebounds. Their 13.22 marigin of victory is second in the league. They have an offensive rating of 122.93, second behind the Houston Rockets, who are at 122.95 entering Sunday's contests. On the defensive side, Denver boasts a 109.5 defensive rating, second behind the Oklahoma City Thunder at 106.3.
Jokic and company return to the floor on Tuesday when they once again take on the Kings. One night later they'll face the Los Angeles Clippers before finishing up their three game road trips against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.