Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by grubdunkman

NBA followers love discussing individual skills and achievements of the players. Especially with the ease provided by social media to briefly express your opinion in the comments section the discussion is never ending. Who is GOAT? Who’s overrated or a hero that needs to be talked about more?

This narrative is also fueled by the league itself, in the form of reels, highlights, expert talks and so on. The league functions for profit which can be increased by improving the popularity of the sport. This popularity in turn can be gained by creating stars.

One of the recent discussions is the statement that Bam Adebayo outplayed Nikola Jokic in the game last Wednesday when Denver won against Miami 100-88.

The question is was he outplayed, or was his game tactics letting his teammates with a hot hand score?

	Min	Reb	Ast	Pt
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets	34	13	3	17
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat	38	14	6	12

The most influential by scoring was Michael Porter Jr. who made 25 points. While comparison of individual stats can be fun, it is worth remembering that the basketball is a team sport. The teamwork in NBA is something not to forget. The overall greatness and a championship ring is gained by implementing different tactics and strategies that make the team win, and do it consistently, as many nights as possible.

The strategy is not always to let the best player shoot. Passing, rebounding, defense and other important elements of the game are as vital. Joker is well known for his intelligence on court and changes his tactics fluidly during the game.

Let me give you an example. May 22, 2023 Nuggets facing Lakers in Game 4 of NBA Playoffs Conference Finals. Nuggets are losing after first quarter and after second as well, the score is 58-73 after first half.

In third quarter Jokic decides it’s time to shine, and makes 10 rebounds in the third quarter alone, 8 of them in defense. Nuggets lead by five points. How any rebounds by Jokic in the forth quarter? None. The game is under control and strategy changes. Nuggets won 113-111.

I will leave it to you to decide if Bam Adebayo outplayed Nikola Jokic on Wednesday, maybe he did? It is not the point I am trying to make. However what I wanted to communicate is that the game of basketball is deeper and more complicated than comparison of points scored by each player in a single game.

Most best players at some point mentioned that they praise the team over their individual performances. One famous quote on this matter is:

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships. MJ