Nikola Jokic Called Out for Playing “The Worst Playoff Series of his Career”

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are now down 2-1 in their NBA playoffs first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic has not looked like his usual self so far in the series, to the dismay of NBA insider and analyst Kevin O’Connor. 

On X following the Nuggets’ 113-96 loss in Game 3 against the Timberwolves, Jokic got called out by O’Connor for his poor shooting and “uncharacteristic” plays, which have caused Denver to lose back-to-back games after their series-opening win. 

“Nikola Jokic is now 5/24 from 3 in the series. Huge issue for Denver: Jokic shot 32% from 3 ever since his return from injury in January,” he said. “He was at 44% prior and 42% last year. No matter the cause of the huge decline, the end result is that the 3-pointer has abandoned him for months.”

O’Connor added that Jokic’s shooting struggles have helped the Timberwolves’ defense in containing other Nuggets’ offensive options by packing the paint. 

“It’s hurting the Nuggets offense since the Timberwolves can sag off Jokic to clog the paint,” he wrote. “And Jokic isn’t making up for it since Rudy Gobert is also locking him down any time he’s inside and he’s making uncharacteristic sloppy passes. To make matters worse, he’s not getting stops on defense either.”

“Hard to feel any good about Denver’s chances unless Jokic stops having the worst playoff series of his career.”

Jokic has only 15 shots in 46 attempts across the past two games for the Nuggets. In Game 3, he only had three assists, an unusual statistic for the three-time MVP, who is known for his knack for passing. 

Rudy Gobert has been the main culprit of Jokic’s struggles. Gobert has held Jokic through single coverage throughout the series, deterring the Nuggets star’s patented floaters. 

The Nuggets have also lost Aaron Gordon due to a calf injury for Game 3, leaving a massive hole for the team on both ends of the floor. 

Nikola Jokic Has High Praise for Timberwolves Defense

GettyNikola Jokic lauds Timberwolves for their defensive performance.

Nikola Jokic had high regard for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defense, led by four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. 

“The physicality was there, I think, on both sides, but I think they’re big, long, and they’re really good defensive players, so they’re making you shoot over them or just make extra moves,” he said. “They’re making you think about it like with contests, you know, give them credit, they’re really good.”

Aside from Gobert, the Timberwolves also have enjoyed solid defensive performances from perimeter defenders such as Jalen McDaniels and Donte DiVicenzo. 

The Timberwolves’ defense also contained Jamal Murray, who, after scoring 30 points in back-to-back games, only had 18 in the Game 3 Nuggets loss. 

Nuggets Hope to Bounce Back in Game 4

GettyDenver Nuggets face a precarious situation in Game 4 against the Timberwolves.

The Nuggets will look to steal one on the road as they take on the Timberwolves again in Game 4. 

Gordon, who was a late scratch in Game 3, remains questionable for Game 4. A loss in the next game would push the Nuggets to the brink. 

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves would gun for a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4.

The game is scheduled on Saturday, April 25. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m Eastern time in Minneapolis. 

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