Is Jokic getting even better? Or just a hot streak?

[Im Still Ballin]

Seems like I'm making this thread every season, LOL. The numbers he's doing are insane. 26.2 ppg, nearly 75% TS on the season, 80% not including the first game. 13.2 rebounds/g, 11.4 assists/g.

Is it just a hot streak? Or has his game got even better? His touch looks the best it's ever been. He's murdering Zubac tonight - the best Jokic defender in the NBA.

[StrongLurk]

He's one of the five best talents to ever play in the NBA. I'm not surprised at anything he does.

[beasted]

Nobody plays any defense. Look at year-over-year points per game.

When players in the All-Star game go from 110 points to 180 points, people clearly recognize no defense is being played. But when the regular season points goes from 95 points to 120 points, people say players are getting better

[Wally450]

He's one of the five best talents to ever play in the NBA. I'm not surprised at anything he does.

This. He has no weaknesses offensively. An efficient 3 level scorer.

[warriorfan]

Nobody plays any defense. Look at year-over-year points per game.

When players in the All-Star game go from 110 points to 180 points, people clearly recognize no defense is being played. But when the regular season points goes from 95 points to 120 points, people say players are getting better

Agreed. That’s why bummy LeBron is asterisked up.

[beasted]

Agreed. That’s why bummy LeBron is asterisked up.

It for sure needs some type of disclaimer. I know that everyone is focused a lot on Lebron and the whole "look what he's doing at 40" spiel, but, what about all of the 36+ year olds still thriving in today's league, not just as a role player, the #1 or #2 option: Durant, Harden, Curry, Butler.

When looking at any of these stats, I think a minimum 20% downward adjustment is the only reasonable approach.

[FultzNationRISE]

Nobody plays any defense. Look at year-over-year points per game.

When players in the All-Star game go from 110 points to 180 points, people clearly recognize no defense is being played. But when the regular season points goes from 95 points to 120 points, people say players are getting better

Or maybe has to do with, ummm, teams taking more threes

[HoopsNY]

It for sure needs some type of disclaimer. I know that everyone is focused a lot on Lebron and the whole "look what he's doing at 40" spiel, but, what about all of the 36+ year olds still thriving in today's league, not just as a role player, the #1 or #2 option: Durant, Harden, Curry, Butler.

When looking at any of these stats, I think a minimum 20% downward adjustment is the only reasonable approach.

His longevity is a bit overrated. Since 2018, he's played 70 games twice (the last 2 seasons), but nothing close to 80-82 games.

2019: 55 games
2020: 67 (shortened season)
2021: 45 games
2022: 55 games
2023: 56 games
2024: 71 games
2025: 70 games

Overall, his longevity is impressive, but I think Malone's was better. He played 80-82 games every year between the ages of 34-39. His final season, he was 40 and missed half the year. LeBron hasn't done that since 33.

I think the spacing helps to have less contact, which mitigates injury. In LeBron's case, I think he's load managing, though it's usually blamed on a groin injury or something.

[beasted]

Or maybe has to do with, ummm, teams taking more threes

There's never been any time in NBA history where 15 players averaged over 27 PPG. It's not just 3s.

Guys like Joker, Giannis, Cade, SGA, etc in that list have 2 or less made 3s per game. Actually watch and analyze. It's beyond just more spacing.

[ImKobe]

There's never been any time in NBA history where 15 players averaged over 27 PPG. It's not just 3s.

Guys like Joker, Giannis, Cade, SGA, etc in that list have 2 or less made 3s per game. Actually watch and analyze. It's beyond just more spacing.

Take into account the load management aspect as well, half the games these days the best players aren't even on the court. Teams that are younger and healthier dominate/overperform in the RS because the 30+ dudes can't play B2Bs. Heat threw out their playbook and run less than 20 P&Rs a game and are averaging 124.8 points per game (#1) playing at a 105.9 pace (#1), and their ORTG is "only" 116.8 which is good for 16th in the league.

Early season is always like this. Guys ain't going hard on D. It's why I'm less invested until post-ASB.

[Phoenix]

There's never been any time in NBA history where 15 players averaged over 27 PPG. It's not just 3s.

Guys like Joker, Giannis, Cade, SGA, etc in that list have 2 or less made 3s per game. Actually watch and analyze. It's beyond just more spacing.

The numbers are so cartoonish I scroll through my nightly YT NBA highlights and dont even blink at someone dropping like 35/8/7 or whatever. And some of those numbers are coming from guys who aren't even( at least going back to last year) all-NBA players.

[Axe]

He's one of the five best talents to ever play in the NBA. I'm not surprised at anything he does.

Very talented, without a doubt. But those bitw chants for him have surely become tiresome to hear. Although the way he's won and lost crucial game 7s in the playoffs makes him fascinating.

[90sgoat]

Any real improvement at his level would have to be defense.

[ArbitraryWater]

There's never been any time in NBA history where 15 players averaged over 27 PPG. It's not just 3s.

Guys like Joker, Giannis, Cade, SGA, etc in that list have 2 or less made 3s per game. Actually watch and analyze. It's beyond just more spacing.

You arent analyzing shit son