Nuggets eliminated, Jokic: “In Serbia, we’d all be fired”
The Nuggets bow out in the first round after their loss to the Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic breaks down the series, takes responsibility, and already looks ahead
The Denver Nuggets saw their hopes of winning another title end in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Eliminating them were the Minnesota Timberwolves, who closed out the series in six games with a 110-98 win in Game 6.
Denver tried to stay within striking distance until the end, but in the fourth quarter Minnesota raised its level, taking the win and advancing to the next round.
It’s an elimination that will make noise and will inevitably lead to major questions about the future of the franchise and the roster built around Nikola Jokic.
When asked whether changes were needed, the three-time MVP answered with his usual honesty, adding a joke reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
That’s not my decision. For sure, if we were in Serbia, we’d all be fired
Nikola Jokic
This was not one of the best playoff series of Jokic’s career. Rudy Gobert made life difficult for him on multiple occasions, limiting his impact.
In Game 6, however, the Serbian star truly tried to carry Denver. After scoring just nine points in the first half, he shifted gears after the break and scored 19 in the second half.
He finished with 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, narrowly missing yet another triple-double.
I needed to play better, and I have to play better. In this series, they were clearly the better team
Nikola Jokic
If Jokic did everything he could, the Nuggets didn’t get enough from Jamal Murray, who endured a rough night: just 12 points on a poor 4-of-17 shooting performance.
The future of Nikola Jokic
The Timberwolves now advance to the second round, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs. For Denver, meanwhile, an offseason full of questions begins.
One certainty remains: Nikola Jokic is still the centerpiece of the franchise. After the game, the Serbian big man once again reaffirmed his bond with the organization.
I want to be a Nugget forever
Nikola Jokic
Minnesota earned the right to move on. For Denver, it’s already time to look inward and figure out how to start again.