Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Takes Subtle Jab at Officiating After Denver Nuggets Clinch 119–107 Victory To Force Game 7 Against Thunder

Jokic dropped 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists during Nuggets' Game 6 win over the Thunder.

Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic took a subtle dig at officiating after they clinched a 119-107 win over the OKC Thunder to force Game 7. The Nuggets headed into the game with a 3-2 deficit, and while the Thunder were one win away from making it to the Western Conference Finals, Jokic’s 29 points pushed the series to a decider. The Joker grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out eight assists during 41 minutes of action.

Following the game, the three-time MVP made some comments, seemingly taking a jab at officiating, which stirred controversy. After the win in Game 6, Jokic was asked about some factors that led to the win, he indirectly took a shot at the officials in the series. He said, “Definitely helped to get control. I think this is the first time we didn’t have offensive fouls in this series. That’s helpful.”

His response came after being asked about the impact of Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, who drew contact and forced fouls. It helped the Nuggets into the bonus. His comment reflected dissatisfaction with the way calls had taken in previous games.

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Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun Script History As Nuggets Win Game 6

As the Denver Nuggets secured a win in Game 6 over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference Semifinals, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun scripted history. Jokic scored 29 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. He hit nine of his 14 shot attempts. Murray chipped in 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Braun poured in 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

First trio to record 20+ PTS, 8+ REB, 5+ AST in a playoff game since 1966 pic.twitter.com/qYApHUTsv9
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 16, 2025

With this, they became the first trio to have at least 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in an NBA playoff game since 1996. Jokic and Murray, the two main stars have had their ups and downs offensively throughout the series. After a three-game slump, Jokic has seemingly found his rhythm back, and seems to be on his way to take the series home.

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Nikola Jokic

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.