Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Takes Responsibility For Nuggets’ Game 4 Loss, Makes Honest Admission About Performance Slump

Nikola Jokic finished with just 27 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists.

Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Star center Nikola Jokic took responsibility for the Denver Nuggets’ 92-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinals. Following the defeat, the Nuggets are now tied with the Thunder 2-2 in the best-of-seven series. The low-scoring affair put Jokic in highlight as he finished with just 27 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists.

In one of the most inefficient performances, the Joker was shooting 7-of-22 from the field and 2-of-8 from the three-point arc. After the defeat, the three-time MVP spoke about his gameplay and took blame for the loss. He said, “I need to do a better job.” Addressing the post-match presser, Jokic lauded Thunder’s defense and said, “It’s a little bit of everything.”

The Joker continued, “They’re playing really good defense on me. They’re really into my body, handsy, physical. I think I missed like two, three open looks tonight. So, it’s a little bit of everything, you know. They’re shrinking the ball. They’re shrinking the floor for me. They’re having a guy behind the defender. So, it’s a little bit of everything, you know.”

Apart from a below-par shooting performance, Jokic missed a crucial pair of free throws when the Nuggets were trailing by four with over three minutes remaining.

Nikola Jokić:

“I need to do a better job.”

Full presser ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oXMlKpxQ6J
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) May 11, 2025

Talking about his performance slump, the Serbian star kicked off the semifinals series with a staggering 42-point gameplay. However, he has been visibly struggling lately. Over the course of the last three games, he has shot 6-of-16, 8-of-25, and 7-of-22 cumulating for only 33% from the field. This is for the first time Jokic has been shooting under 40% in three consecutive games since 2018.

Also Read: What Is the Largest Halftime Lead in NBA Playoff History?

We Need To Give Ourselves A Chance- Nikola Jokic on Ongoing Series With the Thunder

In the press conference, the reigning MVP also spoke about the Nuggets’ ongoing series with the Thunder. The No. 4 Nuggets kicked off their campaign by pulling off an upset over the table-toppers. Since then, it’s been a cut-throat competition between both the teams. As the series is tied 2-2 after Game 4, Jokic reflected on it and said that they need to give themselves a chance, and be more aggressive against their rivals.

The seven-time NBA All-Star said, “We need to give ourselves a chance. We need to play physical. We need to be more physical with them, and aggressive. Of course, they’re favorites, they’re playing amazing there.”

He continued, “They won six seven how many games they won. But we need to give ourselves a chance to be close and to be up and just to give ourselves a chance to win a game.”

Action will now shift to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 13, where the Nuggets will aim to regain control of the series.

Also Read: “Sometimes It’s Warranted, Sometimes It’s Not”- Tyrese Haliburton Opens Up on Being On Receiving End of Constant Criticism

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Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.