“Destroyed Us”: Nikola Jokic Didn’t Mince Words as Wolves Dig 68-year Old NBA History For Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets surely didn’t expect tonight to be easy. But they were definitely not expecting the thrashing the Timberwolves gave them in Game 6. With the series tied at 3-3 now, both teams have an equal chance of getting the final victory. But for now, they have to deal with the bitter aftertaste of defeat. Especially considering their hopes of ending the second-round series and getting some much-needed rest. Yet, Nikola Jokic can’t help but admit the impressive resurgence of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Talking to Vic Lombardi of Altitude TV, the ‘Joker’ gave due credits to Anthony Edwards and Co. while addressing how they were going to approach the loss.

“I don’t think we should. It’s a great loss. They beat us. They destroyed us. I think it’s a great loss .”

Their 45-point win is the second-largest victory in league history in 68 years! Especially by a team that was on the threshold of elimination. The first place goes to none other than the Minneapolis Lakers (now known as Los Angeles Lakers). The Lakers were facing the St. Louis Hawks (now known as the Atlanta Hawks) in Game 2 of the 1956 Division Semifinals. Minneapolis finished the game with a 133-75 score, 58-point differential and by far the largest!

Well, Jokic summed up the Nuggets’ experience pretty neatly. It surely was a beat-down for the 3x MVP and his squad of terminators. Game 5 saw the ‘Joker’ make a fool of the 4x DPOY Rudy Gobert while the rest of the team took care of everyone else. Tuesday saw the ‘Mile High City’ shoot 48.7% from the field and 30.8% from downtown.

The same group barely reached the 20% mark (19.4%) from beyond the arc while managing 30.2% in field goals. As it is, the reigning champion does know how to take a loss in his stride. Is that all he plans to do, though? Every ‘Joker’ fan knows that the Serbian big man will likely carry the team on his back to an unbelievable win! As we wait for Game 7, let us take a look at Nikola’s numbers this year.

Nikola Jokic stats

Since the towering Nuggets center led his team to their first championship last season, Nikola Jokic has been on the watchlist. And he hasn’t disappointed. The 29-year-old has made his mark in the league and among all-time greats as one of the dominant centers to watch out for. It has only been a day or two since Kendrick Perkins warned the NBA greats that Jokic was coming for their spots.

The 2023-24 season was just as extraordinary as the last few years. Jokic finished the regular season with 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while shooting 58.3% from the field and a modest 35.9% from the three. His assists per game were the top in the league this season among centers. Not to mention, the Finals MVP also has the highest player impact estimate in the league at 21.1. His offensive rating of 112.4 ranks third, right behind Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton.

If we were to look at his playoff numbers, Nikola once again leads with a 39.5 efficiency rating. His average of 28.2 points is seventh while 12.9 rebounds and 8.8 assists rank second on the list. In his 6 playoff runs, this season’s .636 winning percentage is the second-best of his career. The likelihood of these numbers getting better is high. After all, Denver still has time to bounce back.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves take the fight to Ball Arena on Saturday, the atmosphere is no doubt going to be that of an NBA Finals. Stay tuned to find out more details!