Nicola, undeniably one of the most efficient talents on the court, has hit a bump in the road and is now trying to navigate through the treacherous waters of his recent shooting struggles. Yet, he sees this as part of the game, a mountain to climb in the course of a professional athlete's journey.
According to him, it’s a mix of strong defense as opponents have been handsy and physical lately. “They are really closing in, you know?” Nicola explains. Couple that with missed opportunities and shooting becomes a struggle.
"Ultimately, it's on me. I need to do better, to find ways to shake off the pressure, adjust my play and get those shots in."
This dips into the team performance as a whole. The team scored a mere eight points in the first quarter, but the defense was strong, “they only scored 17,” as Nicola points out. However, surviving in the NBA is not just about excellent defense. The shots need to start landing.
Despite the rocky start, they made a remarkable comeback in the second quarter with a 28-point leap. Still, the fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of ups and downs, with Oklahoma City's Shay making game-winning moves. “He’s an amazing player,” Nicola admits.
Despite the double teams constantly working against him, Nicola is optimistic. “We didn't make shots,” Nicola admits, adding that it's equally crucial to capitalize on every opportunity that presents itself, from taking free throws to making sure inbounds calls happen.
Looking forward, Nicola remains hopeful about his team’s chances. “We need to be more physical, aggressive and give ourselves a chance to win.” He recognises the strength of Oklahoma City but reminds us, “We're four and four in the whole season against them.” That’s a classic fighting spirit!
And he encourages his team to take the challenge head-on. After all, the pressure, the physicality, the missed shots, they're all part of the game. And for a player as driven as Nicola, it's these challenges that make the victory taste even sweeter. So, are you curious how he will tackle his shooting struggles and lead his team to a glorious comeback in the NBA Playoffs? Well, you've got to see it yourself!
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