As the Denver Nuggets‘ series against the Minnesota Timberwolves plays out, it’s become increasingly clear that Minnesota might’ve cracked the code on the superstar center, Nikola Jokic.
While the veteran center is still putting up impressive numbers by the average players’ standard, Jokic hasn’t been on par with himself. As a result, the Nuggets are down 2-1 in the series.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high fives Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA In-Season Tournament at Ball Arena on November 3, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
Following a Game 3 loss on the road, the star guard Jamal Murray briefly touched on Jokic’s shooting struggles.
Putting up percentages that he’s never seen before, Murray is confident that it’s just a one-off scenario. The Nuggets are looking forward to seeing Jokic bounce back.
What Did Jamal Murray Say About Nikola Jokic?
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: Nikola Jokic #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the third quarter of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
“I thought the shots he took today, it wasn’t like he doesn’t make those every day of his life,” Murray told reporters, according to Bennett Durando. “So I’ve never seen him shoot what he shot today. That’s just kind of an outlier type of game. Really from everybody. But we’re not worried about Jok.”
Jokic put up 26 shots from the field in Game 3. The star center made just seven of his attempts. From three, Jokic shot 2-10.
It wasn’t just the star center, though. The Nuggets averaged just 34.0% from the field. Murray had plenty of shooting struggles on his end as well. The veteran guard checked in for 35 minutes. He shot 5-17 from the field, missing all five of his attempts from beyond the arc. Murray finished the game with 16 points.
The Nuggets came up short against the Timberwolves with a 113-96 loss.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 24: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball under pressure from Royce O’Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Heading into Game 4 on Saturday night, the Nuggets know they have to shoot much better in order to avoid dropping to 1-3 before heading back home to Colorado.
It’s going to start with Nikola Jokic. Since the start of the playoffs, Jokic is shooting 40.0% from the field (worst FG% of his postseason career by 8.0%). He is averaging 25.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.
The Nuggets and the Timberwolves are set for an 8:30 PM ET tip.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Nuggets’ Jamal Murray Gets Honest on Nikola Jokic’s Shocking Struggles appeared first on Heavy Sports.