Nikola Jokic has undoubtedly been the NBA’s most unguardable player in recent years. He’s only progressed during the playoffs. However, for the first time in his MVP-caliber prime, Jokic did not appear at ease during the Nuggets’ Western Conference semi-finals Game 1 against the Timberwolves.

Jokic put up impressive numbers, earning accolades from the bulk of his opponents, with 32 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. However, he shot only 44.0%, well below his norms, and attempted nine 3-pointers, which is more than his regular total. Jokic appeared rushed as Minnesota threw three different looks at him, giving the two-time MVP little room to maneuver.

Jokic praised the Timberwolves’ effective coverage and joked about cloning himself to deal with the problem, stating (via NBA reporter Michael Scotto):

“To have duplicate clone of myself and then I can be fresh when they sub another guy and I’m gonna be fresh.”

The Timberwolves have the distinct advantage of fielding three centers who can stay on the court, including DPOY candidate Rudy Gobert, All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, and 6th Man of the Year Naz Reid. Minnesota shifted away from aggressively doubling Jokic, neutralizing his supporting cast and forcing him to play through a tough one-on-one matchup with one of the bigs always on the help side.

That eliminated Nikola Jokic’s opportunities to score at the rim, as well as Aaron Gordon’s lob on a baseline cut.