Josh Okogie Receives Mixed Reviews After Game 2 Loss to Nuggets
Nigerian men’s basketball star Josh Okogie received mixed reactions following the Suns’ 87-97 defeat to the Nuggets in their playoffs game 2.
The top-seeded Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, handed Kevin Durant and the Suns their second loss, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Okogie, who started the game for the Suns in a star-studded lineup including Chris Paul, Devon Booker, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton, was both praised and criticized for his role.
On the one hand, he was praised for keeping Nuggets guard Jamal Murray to just 10 points, shooting 3-of-15 from field goals and 0-of-9 from 3-point attempts.
Josh Okogie has completely taken Jamal Murray out of this basketball game.
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) May 2, 2023
Okogie’s job is to defend & harass Jamal Murray which he did yesterday given he only had 10 Pts. Craig is a capable guy & a rotation player IMO. And yes I watch a lot of Magic bball so I’m very familiar with Ross. Monty has to lean on his Vets or they going home in 5.
— Bijan 😁™️ (@bj__smoove) May 2, 2023
Ayton and Paul played better tonight. Okogie did great on murray. Defense was way better yes.
— D-Rock Trainer (@drocktrainer) May 2, 2023
To add to it: Denver played Okogie off the floor and all of a sudden Jamal Murray comes alive with a stepback & an assist to Jokic off a drive https://t.co/fGiygk9oDR
— Shervon Fakhimi (@ShervonFakhimi) May 2, 2023
He was also criticized for his offensive role, particularly after passing up an open shot in the paint.
Josh Okogie…how bad can you be to not take this shot? pic.twitter.com/EE61YAqpCX
— Ryan (@RyanMatthew413) May 2, 2023
They run these sets still, it’s just not Mikal Bridges in the corner it’s Josh Okogie and it’s not Will Barton and Monte Morris guarding the action it’s KCP and Bruce Brown. https://t.co/AYhJN9Twyn
— Rishi Oza (@RishOza_) May 2, 2023
JOSH OKOGIE is right at the basket. You have to take that shot! #Suns
— MRORNG EdD. (@PHXMRORNG) May 2, 2023
