career high in steals per game (1.2) and for the fi rst time
cracked the top 10 in rebounds per game. His condition-
ing also allowed for him to play nearly 5 more minutes
per game (32.6), a simple stat that speaks volumes.
It wasn’t just the box stats where he was starting to
make an impact. Jokic also led the team in contested shots
(12.6) and was second in defl ections (2.4 per game). He
didn’t just defend the rim but was able to switch out and
defend the perimeter as well.
So far this season the Joker’s big improvements have
come as a scorer and passer. He’s putting up nearly 20
GETTY IMAGES
STEADY
IMPROVEMENT
PER GAME AVERAGES BY YEAR
2015
10.0 points
2.4 assists
7.0 rebounds
2016
16.7 points
4.9 assists
9.8 rebounds
2017
18.5 points
6.1 assists
10.7 rebounds
2018
19.8 points
7.7 assists
10.3 rebounds
BECKETT BASKETBALL 13