Regardless of having three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets are removed from their stellar finest up to now this yr.
The workforce is at the moment on a two-game shedding streak, following their most up-to-date loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 135-149.
4 Cavaliers gamers scored 20 or extra factors within the recreation, with Donovan Mitchell main the scoring with 33 factors, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Michael Porter Jr. scored 18 factors for the Nuggets regardless of a attainable commerce, but it surely was Jokic and Jamal Murray who mixed for 54 factors to assist the Nuggets get nearer.
NBA analyst Harrison Wind lately defined that Jokic appears visibly annoyed together with his teammates and that one other loss will not enhance his underlying temper.
Jokic talked about how the workforce is struggling to get to the extent it must be.
Regardless of attaining his 142nd triple-double with a formidable 27 factors, 14 rebounds and 13 assists towards the Cavaliers, Joker nonetheless wants extra.
Whereas agreeing that the workforce wants to succeed in a better degree, the Serbian participant additionally famous that he stays very modest about what he’s producing.
Jokic was clearly sad with the latest loss and spoke to the media after the match, revealing his instant response to the match.
He mentioned, “We’re not even near the place we needs to be, however I feel we’re in a great place contemplating how unhealthy we’re taking part in.”
“I feel as a substitute of simply persevering with to assist me, I want to begin desirous about what I can do for this workforce. Is it screening? Is it capturing? Is it rebounding? Is it taking part in protection?”
Jokic defined that he desires folks to “level this fashion as a substitute of that approach” and begin placing stress on himself as a substitute of the workforce.
Regardless of placing a number of the blame on himself for the Nuggets’ latest efficiency, it is clear that the middle just isn’t the issue.
The Nuggets sit in seventh place within the Western Convention with a 16-13 document, however Jokic continues to carry out at his highest degree.
Taking a look at his numbers, he nonetheless has an opportunity to win a fourth MVP award, however loads of that can depend upon whether or not the Nuggets could make the playoffs.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor believes that bringing Jimmy Butler to Denver in a commerce would additional unlock Jokic’s talents.
The 6-foot-9 machine is averaging 30.5 factors, 12.7 rebounds and 9.5 assists this season. Due to this fact, the potential for elevating his degree is horrifying.
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