Nikola Jokic Expresses Frustration After Nuggets’ 43-Point Loss in Game 2
Nikola Jokic was visibly upset following the Denver Nuggets’ lopsided 106–149 defeat in Game 2. Addressing the media after the game, Jokic offered a candid assessment of what went wrong during the team’s blowout loss.
When asked about the difference in energy between the two teams to start the game, Jokic remarked, “Only one team really showed up tonight. We had too many turnovers, missed shots, and they outplayed us in every aspect—more aggressive, better rebounding, everything. They were simply the superior team today, and the score reflects that.”
On dealing with the physical nature of playoff basketball and how he often gets penalized for reacting, Jokic responded, “You just try to battle for every possession and deal with whatever comes.”
When questioned about fouling out in the third quarter, Jokic clarified, “No, it wasn’t frustration. I was just trying to set a strong screen for Jamal, especially since they were being physical with him. It just happened.”
Jokic dismissed any notable change in how Thunder big man Jaylin Williams defended him, saying, “He guarded me last game too. He’s aggressive and stays close, but nothing really changed.”
Commenting on assistant coach David Adelman’s response to the loss, Jokic said, “He’s doing what he’s supposed to. The responsibility is on us as players. We need to be a lot better as a team.”
Reflecting on how the team should handle the loss, Jokic added, “We shouldn’t forget it. We need to learn from it and fix our mistakes. We weren’t aggressive enough.”
Regarding his conversation with referee Scott Foster after picking up his fifth foul, Jokic described it as a private exchange. On Russell Westbrook’s technical foul in defense of Jokic, he said, “Russ is a great teammate. He reacted, and he got a technical. Whether it was deserved or not isn’t for me to decide.”
On whether the team still wanted to fight back after halftime, Jokic confirmed, “Of course. But we lacked discipline. Everyone started doing their own thing, and we can’t win like that. Everyone has to be better.”
Asked if players were still engaged and willing to play through the blowout, he said, “Yes, we understand that this performance isn’t acceptable. We have to improve.”
Jokic also addressed how teams rotate fresh defenders onto him, stating, “Teams have been doing that to me for the past few years. It’s nothing new.”
When asked about Michael Porter Jr.’s performance while dealing with a shoulder injury, Jokic noted, “He’s toughing it out, and we respect that—but injuries can’t be an excuse.”
On the Thunder fans booing Westbrook, Jokic replied, “That’s their issue, not mine. I don’t have much to say about it.”
Head Coach David Adelman: “We Got Punked”
Denver’s acting head coach David Adelman didn’t hold back in his postgame comments either. Comparing this loss to their previous postseason blowout against the Clippers, Adelman said, “We got punked. They played with the right energy and we didn’t. We let missed shots affect our defense, and that set the tone.”
The Nuggets were overwhelmed early, surrendering 87 first-half points while only scoring 56. Oklahoma City maintained full control, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s staggering +51 plus/minus.
The Thunder’s defensive intensity forced 20 turnovers and disrupted Denver’s offensive flow, making it impossible for the Nuggets to establish any rhythm.
With the series tied 1–1, the Nuggets must regroup before returning home for Game 3 on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET.
