After the Denver Nuggets claimed their first NBA title in June 2023, it looked like the beginning of a dynasty. Yet, the Minnesota Timberwolves produced a comeback for the ages from a 20-point deficit in last season’s playoffs to win Game 7 and eliminate the defending champs. Since then, cracks have started to appear for the much-fabled Denver franchise with arguably the best player in the league. On Sunday, they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers to move to 10-8 for the season, and Nikola Jokic gave his honest opinion alongside head coach Michael Malone.

Jokic and coach Malone remain positive, despite one problem – youngsters. Currently, there are 9 players younger than 25 on the roster (including two-way affiliates). Of course, in the long run, it might help. But right now, the Nuggets are stumbling, especially since the experienced Aaron Gordon has been out injured for a while. Nevertheless, the 3x MVP didn’t want to be too critical of these players.

“We need to have an understanding that now they’re playing meaningful minutes,” Nikola Jokic told the press after the loss. “But I think they’re playing good, you know. It’s not their fault that we are not maybe having a good record like we have. You know, we are still trying to learn to play with each other.” Three youngsters have shown what they can do this season – Peyton Watson (22), Christian Braun (23), and Julian Strawther (22).

While Braun has become a starter this season following the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Strawther has also been coming into his own. He came off the bench last night to score 15 points, shooting 6-7 from the field. He also hit a couple of threes and made a telling contribution.

Michael Malone quickly noticed his output and mentioned, “You know, I thought Julian was really good tonight. Talk about efficient off the bench, 15 points, 6-7 from the field. Two or three from the three.” For now, it looks like a necessary problem to have. Yet, there’s pressure on Malone to get his team up and running.

Nikola Jokic and Michael Malone must turn it around for the Nuggets!

The pressure’s on Malone to turn around the team’s fortunes and get them back on track. Yet, they remain confident, as evidenced by Malone’s post-match press conference regarding the team’s shoddy form. Notably, a media reporter inquired about Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s leadership capabilities to lead the team. Well, Malone had all the right answers for the reporters.

“You know, they’re just trying to stay positive. Stay with it, you know. It’s a long season. We got off to a 0-2 start. Then we played much better. We won five in a row at home,” mentioned Michael Malone, hopeful of a turnaround.

The Nuggets lost their opening two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers. They managed to come back with a five-gaming winning streak. Yet inconsistency crept in along with new youngsters on the team.

The biggest talking point would be Aaron Gordan’s return to the team. He remains a vital cog in the system with his rebounding and defense. “You know, trying to work in Aaron Gordan back in the first game back, in almost a month off the bench with the minute restriction. You know, it’s just playing a lot of young players,” said Malone about Gordan’s comeback.

Yet, nothing to worry about for the Nuggets fans. It’s a long season and Malone understands the importance of having two powerhouse leaders on the team. He concluded, “But you know, Nikola, ten years, and Jamal, nine years. We’ve been through a lot. There’s going to be rough stretches in any season. But you know, those guys. They lead with positivity and patience and not overreacting to the bumps in the road that are sure to come in a season.”

Thus, the Nuggets can turn it around with Nikola Jokic leading the way. It’s just a matter of days, isn’t it?