Nuggets Star Nikola Jokic Slams Referees for Lack of Foul Calls in Game 6 Loss to Clippers…
The Denver Nuggets fell to the Los Angeles Clippers 111-105 in a critical Game 6, forcing a win-or-go-home Game 7. But while the scoreboard showed a defeat, the frustration from the Nuggets wasn’t just about the result — it was about the refereeing.
Nikola Jokic, Denver’s MVP center, was at the center of the controversy, drawing heavy defensive attention but getting little support from the officials. Despite being relentlessly hacked throughout the game, Jokic made just two trips to the free-throw line — a stat that left the Nuggets furious.
Head coach David Adelman did not hold back during the postgame press conference. “Nikola gets fouled a lot. I’m not sure what the refs were watching tonight, but for him to shoot only two free throws with all that contact — that’s insane,” Adelman said.
The Clippers deployed smaller defenders against Jokic, a tactic that involved physical play and tight coverage. Adelman felt those defenders were allowed to get away with excessive contact. “They put smalls on him, and those smalls were allowed to do whatever they want,” he added. “If that’s the level of physicality being allowed, we’ll respond in Game 7.”
Jokic, known for his calm demeanor, didn’t visibly protest during the game, but his teammates acknowledged the toll the physical play took. Nuggets forward Peyton Watson noted the visible bruising and scratches on Jokic’s arms, something fans have also seen on TV broadcasts all season.
“He’s in there battling, getting hit constantly. It’s hard for the refs to see everything with five bodies around him, but we need them to make the right calls when it matters,” Watson said.
Despite the officiating woes, Jokic and the Nuggets are not planning to dwell on the issue. Instead, they’re gearing up for a response. “Nikola knows it’s going to be physical. We all do,” Watson continued. “Now it’s our turn to be the ones dishing out the physicality.”
The frustration is amplified by comparisons with other MVP-caliber players. Jokic averaged 6.4 free-throw attempts per game during the regular season, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 8.8 and Giannis Antetokounmpo 10.6 — raising concerns about officiating consistency.
As the Nuggets prepare for Game 7, one thing is clear: they’re ready to bring the fight, both physically and mentally. Tip-off is set for Saturday night, and Denver’s playoff hopes will hang in the balance.
