Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Facing Nickeil Alexander-Walker: He's like my second brother

The Nuggets increasingly play regional defense throughout the series to challenge Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the driver. It has been transformed from 2-3 to 1-3-1 to deformation in various forms, becoming the middle stage of human defense. The easiest thing is that Jokic's mission is to play quarterbacks for two defenders. “Everyone is always responsible for communication. The area is another level of communication,” Adelman said. “I don't think people realize that – like, looking at BAM in Miami (Adebayo) – is responsible for not participating in the actual game that is happening. You're the one who kicks people left and right.” -Via Denver Post / May 17, 2025