NBA Playoffs: Is Nikola Jokic Fighting a Lone Battle for the Denver Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets lost tonight, and they only have themselves to blame. They led by four points heading into the 4th quarter. But poor shooting in the final 12 minutes cost them the win. Despite the loss, Nikola Jokic recorded a valiant effort and could have carried the team to a win had he enjoyed more support.

The Serbian has been on a tear since Game 2 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Tonight, he finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists and shot 13/24 from the field.

Aside from Michael Porter Jr, who scored 18 points, no one else was able to contribute so effectively on the offense. With this stat line, he created a new franchise record, passing Carmelo Anthony’s previously set record.

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Nikola Jokic needs more support from the Nuggets

Jokic came into the game with a wrist injury. He was questionable to play but was cleared to feature just hours before the game. But watching him, one could easily have forgotten about this supposed injury.

His ability to dish out perfect passes immediately after grabbing the rebound is unbelievable. Making a half-court pass is already a tough skill, but doing that immediately after collecting the board is even tougher.

Jokic makes it look so easy and effortless as well.  And not to mention the fact that he did all of this with an injured wrist.

Since the Utah Jazz series, Jamal Murray has been very inconsistent. He enjoyed a good run in Game 2, but in the other games, he has been poor. This increases the responsibility on Jokic’s shoulders, but against a team like the Clippers, a one-man effort is asking for too much.

Coach Mike Malone has to rethink his gameplan and stop Jerami Grant from chucking so many shots and let Gary Harris or Paul Millsap pull the trigger instead.

The Nuggets need to support Jokic on offense if they want to advance to the Conference Finals. They missed out last season after losing in a seven-game series to the Blazers, and their poor effort in this series could deny them again.

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