Paul Millsap has become aware of the jigsaw puzzle star teammate Nikola Jokic has been for opposing defenses throughout the postseason, as several have tried and failed to find an answer for the big man in the middle of the Denver Nuggets core. Millsap even went as far as to compare his star center to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a genius with the ball, not shorthanded by his age nor his lack of athleticism:

“He's like a quarterback out there,” said Millsap, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. “I consider him like a Tom Brady. He's always going to pick you apart and make the right reads. Commend him for doing that at this stage in his career. It's unbelievable.”

Jokic isn't a six-time champion or an 18-year veteran hoping to extend his career, but rather a cerebral player with the ball, finding the right pockets to thread the ball into, as well as finding the most comfortable and effective shots for himself.

The Serbian has quickly risen through the ranks as the best passing center in the game, always looking for a back cut or a darting run up the court, as well as open shooters awaiting his pinpoint pass to come their way:

“Everything,” said Millsap said when asked what defenses are trying to do that isn't working against Jokic. “… He sees how people are playing and guarding him. He makes the right play every time. … He doesn't force anything.”

Jokic will need to be at his most adaptive throughout this tough Western Conference Semifinals series against the Portland Trail Blazers, one the Nuggets lead 1-0 after a 121-113 Game 1 win on Monday night.